Microbiota restoration therapy (mrt), compositions and methods of manufacture

ABSTRACT

Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/295,686, filed Jun. 4, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/831,409, filed Jun. 5, 2013, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/529,522, filed Oct. 31, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/504,927, filed Oct. 2, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/295,686, filed Jun. 4, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/831,409, filed Jun. 5, 2013, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to compositions and methods for treating diseases and/or conditions of the digestive tract or body.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of compositions and methods have been developed for treating diseases and/or conditions of the digestive track and/or other parts of the body. Of the known compositions and methods, each has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative compositions and methods for treating diseases and/or conditions of the digestive track and/or other parts of the body.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed.

In a first example, a method for treating hepatic encephalopathy may comprise administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy, wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition is pre-screened for bacterial diversity. The pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition may include bacteria from at least seven different families and has a Shannon Diversity Index of 0.4-2.5 when calculated at the family level and the microbiota restoration therapy composition may comprise a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with a colonoscope.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a secondary microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a secondary microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient, wherein the pre-treatment antibiotic includes vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin, linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, tigecycline, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, televancin, teicoplanin, dalbavancin, metronidazole, ortivancin, or a combination thereof.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient after administering the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include manufacturing the microbiota restoration therapy composition and wherein manufacturing the microbiota restoration therapy composition may comprise: collecting a human fecal sample, adding polyethylene glycol to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample, mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus, filtering the diluted sample, wherein filtering forms a filtrate, transferring the filtrate to a sample bag, and sealing the sample bag.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the microbiota restoration therapy composition may include bacteria and wherein in the range of 40-60% of the bacteria is from the order Bacteroidales, in the range of 30-40% of the bacteria is from the order Clostridiales, and in the range of 36-48% of the bacteria is from the family Bacteroidaceae.

In another example, a method of treating hepatic encephalopathy may comprise administering a primary dose of a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy, wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition has been manufactured using the following method: collecting a human fecal sample, placing the human fecal sample into a filter bag, adding a mixture of polyethylene glycol and saline to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample at a concentration of 2-4 milliliters of the mixture of polyethylene glycol and saline per gram of the human fecal sample, mixing the diluted sample with a paddle mixer at 230 rpm for two minutes, filtering the diluted sample, wherein filtering forms a filtrate, transferring the filtrate to a sample bag, and sealing the sample bag. The microbiota restoration therapy composition may be pre-screened for bacterial diversity and the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition may include bacteria from at least seven different families. The method may further comprise administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with a colonoscope.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient, wherein the pre-treatment antibiotic includes vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin, linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, tigecycline, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, televancin, teicoplanin, dalbavancin, metronidazole, ortivancin, or a combination thereof.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further comprise administering a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient after administering the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient.

In another example, a method for treating a urinary tract infection may comprise administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection. The microbiota restoration therapy composition may be pre-screened for bacterial diversity and the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition may include bacteria from at least seven different families and has a Shannon Diversity Index of 0.4-2.5 when calculated at the family level. The microbiota restoration therapy composition may comprise a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema tube.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection may include administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the urinary tract infection may comprise a drug resistant or multi-drug resistant urinary tract infection.

The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart schematically depicting a process for collecting and inspecting a donor fecal sample;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart schematically depicting a process for screening a fecal donor;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts depicting an example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting further steps in a representative manufacturing process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example process for ordering and shipping a microbiota restoration therapy composition;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting another example process for ordering and shipping a microbiota restoration therapy composition;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example packaging system;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example sample bag; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an example tube assembly.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include one or more particular features, structures, and/or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular features, structures, and/or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and/or characteristics are described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and/or characteristics may also be used connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

“Mammal” as used herein refers to any member of the class Mammalia, including, without limitation, humans and nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees, and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as dogs and cats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice, rats and guinea pigs, and the like. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male or female, are intended to be included within the scope of this term.

The term “cryopreservation”, as used herein, refers to the process of cooling and storing biological cells, tissues, or organs at low temperatures to maintain their viability. As a non-limiting example, cryopreservation can be the technology of cooling and storing cells at a temperature below the freezing point (e.g., −20° C. or colder, −80° C. or colder, or the like) that permits high rates of survivability of the cells upon thawing.

The term “cryoprotectant”, as used herein, refers to a substance that is used to protect biological cells or tissues from the effects of freezing.

As used herein, the term “microbiota” can refer to the human microbiome, the human microbiota, or the human gut microbiota. The human microbiome (or human microbiota) may be understood as the aggregate of microorganisms that reside on the surface and in deep layers of skin, in the saliva and oral mucosa, in the conjunctiva, and in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans. The human microbiome is comprised of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. At least some of these organisms perform tasks that are useful for the human host. Under normal circumstances, these microorganisms do not cause disease to the human host, but instead participate in maintaining health. Hence, this population of organisms is frequently referred to as “normal flora.”

The population of microorganisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract is commonly referred to as “microbial flora”, “gut flora”, and/or “gut microbiota”. The microbial flora of the human gut encompasses a wide variety of microorganisms that aid in digestion, the synthesis of vitamins, and creating enzymes not produced by the human body.

The phrase “microbiota restoration therapy”, as used herein, refers to a composition which may include, but is not limited to, human fecal material containing viable gut flora from a patient or donor, a diluent, and a cryoprotectant. Additional compositions include equivalent freeze-dried and reconstituted feces or a “synthetic” fecal composition. The human fecal material is screened for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms prior to its use in the microbiota restoration therapy. The human fecal material is screened for the presence of Clostridium species including C. difficile, Norovirus, Adenovirus, enteric pathogens, antigens to Giardia species, Cryptosporidia species and other pathogens, including acid-fast bacteria, enterococci, including but not limited to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as any ova or parasitic bodies, or spore-forming parasites, including but not limited to Isospora, Clyslospora, and Cryptospora.

The process of fecal bacteriotherapy can include introducing a fecal sample of a healthy donor, or a donor having one or more desired characteristics, into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient to repopulate a healthy or desirable gut microbiota. In certain examples, prior to introduction of the fecal sample, the patient's intestinal flora can be disrupted using antibiotics, such that the healthy or desirable gut microbiota, once introduced into the patient, can easily populate the gastrointestinal tract.

The human fecal material is optionally filtered prior to its use in the microbiota restoration therapy.

The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment utilizing microbiota restoration therapy (MRT) for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia. While hepatic encephalopathy treatment is one example use for the MRT compositions disclosed herein, this is not intended to be limiting. Other diseases and/or conditions are contemplated. Some of the medical conditions that may be desirably impacted by treatment with MRT compositions may include cardiovascular and/or peripheral vascular disease, allergies, obesity, hypoglycemia, constipation, celiac sprue (e.g., celiac disease), gastrointestinal cancer (e.g. gastrointestinal cancer is at least one of stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, anal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors), myoclonus dystonia, sacrolileitis, spondyloarthropatliy, spondylarthritis, proximal myotonic myopathy; an autoimmune disease nephritis syndrome, autism, travelers' diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, chronic pancreatitis, a pancreatic insufficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, benign myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, Parkinson's Disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), degenerative neurological diseases, Grand mal seizures or petitmal seizures, Steinert's disease, chronic infectious mononucleosis, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an acute or chronic allergic reaction obesity, anorexia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) Crohn's disease, irritable bowel disease (IBD), colitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), including drug resistant or multi-drug resistant UTIs, chronic infectious mononucleosis, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis, acute or chronic urticarial, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), pre-diabetic syndrome, fibromyalgia (FM), Type I or Type II diabetes, acute or chronic insomnia, migraines, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In the case of humans, the present disclosure encompasses methods of treatment of chronic disorders associated with the presence of abnormal enteric microflora. Such disorders include but are not limited to those conditions in the following categories: gastro-intestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon, functional bowel disease (FBD), including constipation predominant FBD, pain predominant FBD, upper abdominal FBD, nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD), gastro-oesophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, collagenous colitis, microscopic colitis, chronic Clostridium difficile infection, pseudemembranous colitis, mucous colitis, antibiotic associated colitis, idiopathic or simple constipation, diverticular disease, AIDS enteropathy, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, coeliac disease, polyposis coil, colonic polyps, chronic idiopathic pseudo obstructive syndrome; chronic gut infections with specific pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa; viral gastrointestinal disorders, including viral gastroenteritis, Norwalk viral gastroenteritis, rotavirus gastroenteritis, AIDS related gastroenteritis; liver disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, fatty liver or cryptogenic cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, non-rheumatoid arthritidies, non rheumatoid factor positive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, and Reiter's syndrome; immune mediated disorders such as glomeruionephritis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, juvenile diabetes mellitus, mixed cryoglobulinaemia, polyarteritis, familial Mediterranean fever, amyloidosis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behcets syndrome; autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Sjogren's syndrome, haemolytic uremic syndrome or scleroderma: neurological syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and other degenerative disorders; sychiatric disorders including chronic depression, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, manic depressive illness; regressive disorders including, Asbergers syndrome, Rett syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD); the regressive disorder, autism; sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), anorexia nervosa; dermatological conditions such as chronic urticaria, acne, dermatitis herpetiformis and vasculitis disorders; and cardiovascular and/or vascular disorders and diseases.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most common complications of end stage liver cirrhosis requiring hospital admissions. Although the precise pathophysiology of HE is not well defined, data suggest that ammonia generated by the enteric bacterial flora is the critical driver of this process. Most of the ammonia is produced by metabolism of protein and urea in the colon. In a healthy individual, the liver protects the brain by converting ammonia to urea, which is excreted partly through the kidneys and partly in the colon. In the United States, an estimated 633,323 adults have cirrhosis and this number is expected to increase with the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Approximately 10-40% of patients with cirrhosis develop the complication of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) accounting for 110,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States.

The microbiota in patients with liver cirrhosis has been shown to be altered compared to healthy controls, as they have more urease-producing bacteria associated with increased production of ammonia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can result in HE. Recent investigations suggest that shifts in the gastrointestinal microbiome correlate with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Specifically, the sigmoid mucosal microbiome may possess less Roseburea and higher Enterococcus, Villonella, Megasphaera, and Burkholderia in patients with HE. Chen et al. (Characterization of fecal microbial communities in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatology. 2011 August; 54(2):562-72.) studied Chinese patients with predominately hepatitis B or alcoholic cirrhosis and found that they have significantly higher concentrations of Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Streptococcaceae and a lower proportion of Lachnospiraceae compared with healthy controls. Bajaj et al. (Linkage of gut microbiome with cognition in hepatic encephalopathy. American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal & Liver Physiology. 2012 Jan. 1; 302(1):G168-75.) also found that cirrhotic patients with HE have higher Enterobacteriacea, Alcaligenaceae and Streptococceae compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, cirrhosis severity was positively correlated with Streptococcaceae and negatively correlated with Lachnospiraceae. A significant correlation between the presence of Alcaligenaceae and Porphyromonadacea and cognitive dysfunction has also observed by standardized cognitive testing.

Currently, the standard of care in patients who have recurrent HE is rifaximin and/or lactulose. Although the exact mechanism of action is unclear, lactulose can result in laxative action and stool acidification, which can promote ammonia excretion. Although previous studies have shown lactulose to be effective in preventing recurrent overt HE; HE can still recur despite maintenance therapy. Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic approved for traveler's diarrhea, has also shown efficacy in the management of HE. However, 22% of patients on rifaximin can still develop breakthrough episodes of HE compared to 46% of patients on placebo. Furthermore, rifaximin is expensive, and its access may require special approval. These patients may have a poor quality of life, need almost constant supervision either by a caregiver at home or in an institution and require huge investment of health care costs. Neomycin has been studied in the context of significant overt HE and is meant to be used as an adjunctive therapy. Neomycin is associated with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity and is not widely used. However, an alteration in bacterial composition through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may possibly improve mucosal barrier function and also reduce ammonia production, which in turn would represent a new therapeutic option for these patients with recurrent overt HE who otherwise have no other alternatives.

The above described treatments for hepatic encephalopathy may include strategies to reduce microbial production of ammonia and its absorption. Thus, the development of a resilient microbial community with minimal urease gene content to prevent or inhibit the production of ammonia (for example, through fecal microbiota transplantation) may reduce the development of hepatic encephalopathy when inoculated into a susceptible patient population. When eliminating urease activity of the gut microbiota, it may be important to recognize that the recycling of nitrogen through the production of ammonia is an example of symbiosis between the mammalian host and its gut microbiota that involves a syntrophic interaction (or cross-feeding). Urea production by the liver as a waste product is not only excreted in urine but is also transported into the colon where it is hydrolyzed by bacterial urease into both carbon dioxide and ammonia. Ammonia is then utilized by the microbiota for protein synthesis, reabsorbed by the host where it is reincorporated into the host nitrogen pool by hepatic metabolism, or excreted in the feces.

The efficacy of modifying intestinal bacterial flora through the use of probiotics in cirrhotic patients who have minimal HE has been shown to result in 50% reduction of encephalopathy and a significant decrease in serum ammonia level in one study.⁸ Another one found that 3 months of combined Bifidobacterium longum and fructooligosaccharides resulted in improvements in biochemical and neuropsychological tests in patients with minimal HE.⁹ A third study demonstrated a significant reversal of minimal HE with consumption of a probiotic yogurt at the end of 60 days (Bajaj J S, Saeian K, Christensen K M, Hafeezullah M, Varma R R, Franco J, et al. Probiotic yogurt for the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 July; 103(7):1707-15.) Although these studies were promising, they were conducted in a carefully selected subset of cirrhotic patients with minimal HE. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which randomized cirrhotic patients with overt HE to receiving 6 months of probiotic capsules (consisting of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis and streptococcus thermophiles) vs placebo found no benefit (Pereg D, Kotliroff A, Gadoth N, Hadary R, Lishner M, Kitay-Cohen Y. Probiotics for patients with compensated liver cirrhosis: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Nutrition. 2011 February; 27(2):177-81.). However, it is possible that the concentration or the strains of probiotics were insufficient for those with overt HE. More importantly, none of these patients receiving probiotics had developed septic complications as a result of introduction of exogenous bacteria, since these patients have a higher risk of bacterial translocation (BT).

In some instances, the microbiota restoration therapy compositions (and/or fecal bacteriotherapy compositions) disclosed herein may be used to treat patients with infections by drug resistant organisms and/or multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) including but not limited to drug resistant urinary tract infections (UTI) or multi-drug resistant UTIs. The drug resistant organisms may be resistant to antimicrobial agents (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics, other drugs, combinations thereof, and the like) and may include drug resistant micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc. The infections that can be treated by the microbiota restoration therapy compositions disclosed herein may be along the digestive tract or along other systems of the patient.

The microbiota restoration therapy compositions may be used to treat infections by a variety of drug resistant organisms such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase producing gram-negative bacteria, multi-drug resistant gram negative rods bacteria (e.g., such as Enterobacter species, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), drug resistant Enterobacter species, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis), drug resistant staphylococci, drug resistant enterococci, drug resistant gonococci, drug resistant streptococci (e.g., including Streptococcus pneumoniae), drug resistant salmonella, drug resistant gram negative bacteria, drug resistant Candida, drug resistant HIV, drug resistant influenza virus, drug resistant cytomegalovirus, drug resistant herpes simplex virus, drug resistant malaria, drug resistant Plasmodium vivax, drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum, drug resistant Toxoplasma gondii, and the like, and/or other drug resistant organisms. These are just examples.

Treatment of infections by drug resistant organisms with the microbiota restoration therapy compositions disclosed herein may include treating patients with no prior history of infection with a drug resistant organism, treating patients with a single prior infection by a drug resistant organism, treating patients with two or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, or more) prior infections by a drug resistant organism, etc. In some instances, the microbiota restoration therapy compositions may be used to treat a patient with three prior infections by a drug resistant organism. In other instances, the microbiota restoration therapy compositions may be used to treat a patient with two prior infections by a drug resistant organism if the prior infections resulted in hospitalization, if the prior or current infections require treatment with toxic drugs, or if the prior infections were all from the same organism.

In some instances, MRT compositions can be administered to a patient using an enema or other suitable technique. However, it may be desirable to orally administer an MRT composition. In order to prepare an MRT composition in a form suitable for oral administration, a number of steps may be carried out. Generally, these steps may include collecting a fecal sample, processing the fecal sample, lyophilizing or “freeze-drying” the processed fecal sample, adding one or more additives and/or excipients, and forming an oral form of the MRT composition from the lyophilized material and additives (e.g., a tablet, capsule, liquid preparation, or the like). Some additional details regarding at least some of these steps are disclosed herein.

Fecal transplantation (FT), a treatment related to microbiota restoration therapy (MRT), has been practiced as a last resort for some patients having recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Following antimicrobial treatment, FT is used to re-establish a healthy microbial mix in the gastrointestinal microbiota of the patient. Over 480 cases have been reported with a ˜90% cumulative success rate in curing recurrent CDI without any adverse events attributable to the FT material. The current institutional practice is to obtain fecal samples from family members or volunteers within the treating institution for transplantation into the patient. An evident problem with this technique of treatment is that the FT material is not standardized. Although donors are generally selected that are considered healthy at the time of donation, this is not adequate to assure both the quality and viability of the microbes to be transplanted. A disease state affecting the fecal material may be present that is unknown to the donor. In addition to the quality of the raw fecal material, the lack of a standardized procedure for processing and handling at the receiving or treating institution can lead to problems with both the quality and viability of the FT material given to the patient. Further, each institution must handle the raw fecal material, which is undesirable.

There is a need for a standardized, pre-processed MRT product that assures quality and viability of the MRT product for the patient at the time of delivery. It is further desirable to have an MRT product which can also be shipped to a suitable treatment facility after processing in a readily handled and deliverable state to eliminate handling of raw fecal material at each institution. With these improvements, MRT can become a desirable/viable primary treatment option for CDI rather than a treatment of last resort at a small number of institutions.

This document discusses, among other things, receiving a plurality of donor fecal samples from a plurality of donors and storing and indexing each respective donor fecal samples using at least one characteristic of the respective donor fecal sample. In an example, the donor fecal sample can be screened and processed for subsequent use in fecal bacteriotherapy to displace pathogenic or undesired organisms in the digestive track of a patient with healthy or desirable gut microbiota.

The disclosure provides a microbiota restoration therapy composition comprising a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of a cryoprotectant. An example cryoprotectant may include polyethylene glycol. Additionally, in the microbiota restoration therapy composition of the disclosure, the polyethylene glycol is present in a concentration from about 5-60 g/ml, or about 5-30 g/ml, or less than about 30 g/ml. The composition can further include saline as a diluent. The compositions of the disclosure may comprise polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight ranging from about 600 to about 20000. For example, PEG-3150, having an average molecular weight of 3150 can be utilized. In certain embodiments, the microbiota restoration therapy compositions comprise fecal microbiota derived from one or more human stool samples.

Other cryoprotectants may be used such as dextrose, betaine, glycine, sucrose, polyvinyl alcohol, Pluronic F-127, mannitol, tween 80, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, glycerol, PEG/glycerol mix, milk (e.g., skim milk), and propylene glycol.

In other embodiments, the viability of the microbiota of the compositions of the disclosure may be confirmed by culturing the microbiota (and/or the filtrate and/or a bacteriotherapy composition) on a Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar (BBE) plate (available from Becton, Dickinson and Company, catalog number 221836, BBL™ Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar BBE plate), or a Center for Disease Control (CDC) plate (available from Becton, Dickinson and Company, catalog number 221733, BBL™ CDC Anaerobe 5% Sheep Blood Agar Plates), or both. In at least some embodiments, the viability of the microbiota of the compositions of the disclosure may be confirmed on a BBE and/or CDC plate by the presence of a colony forming unit (CFU) count of about 30 CFU to about 300 CFU at a serial dilution of 10⁻⁵, or by the presence of a CFU count of about 30 CFU to about 300 CFU at a serial dilution of 10⁻⁶. Further provided are microbiota restoration therapy compositions where the concentration of microbiota is on the order of about 10⁷ microbes/ml. Additionally, the methods for producing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may further comprise the steps of conducting both pre- and post-donor screening with the human stool sample collected in the interval there between.

In addition to confirming viability of the microbes, the plating tests can also confirm the diversity of the living microbes present. The mix of microbes present, or diversity of microbes, is a further measure of the quality of the human stool sample and the MRT product made from that sample. The CDC plates and the BBE plates, either alone or in combination provide a measure of quality through diversity as described herein.

The disclosure also provides methods for assuring the quality of a human stool sample to be processed into a microbiota restoration therapy composition, the methods comprising identifying a human stool donor; conducting a pre-donation screening of the donor, comprising a health history questionnaire, a daily diet questionnaire, and at least one blood test; collecting a human stool sample from the donor; processing a the stool sample from the donor to form one or more microbiota restoration therapy compositions; conducting a post-donation screening of the donor at an interval of about 15-120 days, or about 30-100 days, or about 45-90 days, comprising a health history questionnaire and at least one blood test; holding in quarantine one or more microbiota restoration therapy compositions processed from the donor stool sample collected during the interval between pre-donation screening and post-donation screening; confirming the quality of the microbiota restoration therapy compositions from both pre- and post-screening results; and releasing for the microbiota restoration therapy compositions for use in a human in need of microbiota restoration therapy. Pre/Post screening may improve the likelihood of collecting a healthy sample. The interval is selected to allow adequate time for a disease state or other factor that is present at the time of human stool collection to manifest with symptoms or be positively identified in a human stool or serum test at the post-screening. Further, the composition can be quarantined and stored until validation of donor health via both the pre- and post-screening is confirmed.

The methods of the disclosure may further include the step of conducting at least one test on the human stool sample for the presence of infectious disease. Additionally, the methods of the disclosure may further include the step of testing the human stool sample for a constituent selected from the group consisting of: C. difficile; Norovirus; Adenovirus; Enteric Pathogens; Giardia antigen; Cryptosporidium antigen; Acid-fast staining (Clyslospora, Isospora); ova and parasites; Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE); Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and combinations thereof. The methods of the disclosure may include testing the blood of the donor, wherein the blood test includes at least one test for a constituent selected from the group consisting of: HIV; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; RPR and combinations thereof.

A representative method for producing a microbiota restoration therapy composition from a human stool sample and assuring viability of the composition can include collecting a desired amount of human stool sample, adding saline, adding a cryoprotectant (e.g., polyethylene glycol), and mixing the composition. The resultant mixture can then be filtered and the filtrate containing microbes collected. A portion of the filtrate can be collected for testing and the remainder of the filtrate can be frozen as quarantined until testing verifies the quality of the frozen filtrate based on culturing of the test sample coupled with results of pre- and post-screening as described above.

The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods of manufacture, and methods of treatment utilizing microbiota restoration therapy of the gastrointestinal tract by displacing pathogenic and/or ineffective organisms with healthy, effective bacterial flora. Example conditions and disease states that may be treated include hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia, Clostridium difficile infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), fulminant colitis resulting from a staphylococcus or C. diff infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, diabetes, colon cancer, constipation, obesity, urinary tract infections, and other conditions and disease states related to an imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora.

In some examples, compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment utilizing microbiota restoration therapy (MRT) for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia are provided.

Each individual has a personalized gut microbiota including an estimated 500 to 5000 or more species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and other microorganisms, up to 100 trillion individual organisms, that reside in the digestive tract, providing a host of useful symbiotic functions, for example, including aiding in digestion, providing nutrition for the colon, producing vitamins, stimulating the immune system, assisting in defense against exogenous bacteria, modulating energy metabolism, and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically, dietary carbohydrates, including resistant starches and dietary fiber, which are substrates for fermentation that produce SCFAs, primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate, as end products. However, an improperly balanced or functioning gut microbiota may play a role in certain diseases or afflictions, such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia, pseudomembranous colitis, Clostridium difficile colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), ulcerative colitis (UC), pouchitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, among others.

Accordingly, the present inventor has recognized, among other things, systems and methods for providing bacteriotherapy to treat afflictions associated with the gut microbiota, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia, by displacing pathogenic organisms in the digestive track of a patient with healthy bacterial flora, or bacterial flora intended to benefit a specific individual with an affliction associated with the gut microbiota. In an example, the systems and methods described herein can provide a convenient, hygienic mechanism, capable of meshing with existing capabilities and routines of existing clinics and hospitals, for providing bacteriotherapy to a patient. In certain examples, similar treatment can be effective for patients with other diseases, such as IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, urinary tract infections, or other gastrointestinal, metabolic, or digestive tract related disease. In other examples, bacteriotherapy can be used to aid in weight loss, displacing ineffective flora in the gut with a more effective microbiota. In other examples, bacteriotherapy can be used to aid in cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease.

In an example, bacteriotherapy to treat hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhosis, or other liver disorder characterized by hyperammonemia or one or more other diseases or afflictions of the digestive tract can be provided using a combination of antibiotics and re-population of a healthy or desired mammalian bacterial flora. In certain examples, the re-population of bacterial flora can include fecal bacteriotherapy, or fecal transplant.

The process of fecal bacteriotherapy can include introducing a fecal sample of a healthy donor, or a donor having one or more desired characteristics, into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient to repopulate a healthy or desirable gut microbiota. In certain examples, prior to introduction of the fecal sample, the patient's intestinal flora can be disrupted using antibiotics, such that the healthy or desirable gut microbiota, once introduced into the patient, can easily populate the gastrointestinal tract.

The human fecal material is optionally filtered prior to its use in the microbiota restoration therapy.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the composition is a standardized fecal microbial preparation from pre-screened donors. Donors are screened for common infectious diseases in both serum and human stool. This includes laboratory testing as well as review of the donor's medical history. Once the donor has been qualified, he/she will be required to undergo complete re-screening at selected intervals. This can include a period of each one to three month period, with one example interval of approximately every three months. In some methods of a system for collecting quality or normal fecal material, in between the complete re-screenings, donors will be instructed to contact the sample collector immediately if changes to their health status occur. Further this health information can be collected at the time of every donation between complete screenings via questionnaire or other means. The donor can continue to be a qualified donor as long as he/she continues to pass their screening tests and meet the health status requirements.

Collected human stool can be processed as disclosed herein, then frozen and quarantined. The product can be released from quarantine when both pre-collection and post-collection medical screening (for example, human stool and blood tests along with health status) is completed. This assures the quality of the sample collected between screenings. The product can be thawed and shipped in a temperature-controlled container to the institution or alternatively shipped frozen and thawed at the institution.

In one method of treatment in the present MRT, a patient may receive a 4 liter split-dose PEG preparation to prepare the body for a colonoscopy. Other known colonoscopy preparation procedures may also be used. Once the body has been prepared, a primary MRT composition can be introduced through a colonscope to the cecum. In some instances, a treatment, such as, but not limited to, loperamide, may be administered to the patient to slow the rhythm of digestion. This may help retain the MRT in the gastro-intestinal tract for a longer duration. The patient may receive one or more subsequent or secondary doses of the MRT composition via an enema. In some instances, the primary dose may be larger, or of greater quantity that the subsequent doses, although this is not required. In some instances, the primary dose may be in the range of 450 cubic centimeters (cc) and the subsequent doses may be in the range of 150 cc. It is contemplated that the primary dose and any subsequent doses may be spaced over a period of weeks. For example, a patient may receive once dose per week for a defined treatment window (e.g. a few weeks, months, etc.). This is just an example. The patient may receive any number of doses over any length of time desired. In some embodiments, the primary and/or secondary doses may be provided as an oral therapy. In such an instance, a dose may be a number of tablet or pills. Each tablet or pill may have approximately 6.7×10⁹ CFU (CDC). A dose may be in the range of 8 to 50 tablets or pills. However, fewer than 8 or more than 50 pills may be required.

The process of fecal bacteriotherapy can include introducing a fecal sample of a healthy donor, or a donor having one or more desired characteristics, into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient to repopulate a healthy or desirable gut microbiota. In certain examples, prior to introduction of the fecal sample, the patient's intestinal flora can be disrupted using antibiotics, such that the healthy or desirable gut microbiota, once introduced into the patient, can easily populate the gastrointestinal tract. For example, some of the methods contemplated herein may include methods for treating a gastrointestinal disorder that include administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder and administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition (e.g., the microbiota restoration therapy compositions as disclosed herein) to the patient. The pre-treatment antibiotic may include vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin, linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, tigecycline, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, televancin, teicoplanin, dalbavancin, metronidazole, ortivancin, or a combination thereof. The pre-treatment antibiotic may be administered at a suitable dose (e.g., about 0.01 mg per day to about 5000 mg per day). In some instances, the pre-treatment antibiotic is administered as a single dose. In other instances, two or more doses may be administered. If two or more doses are administered, the antibiotics used for each of the doses may be the same or different. In some instances, pre-treatment with an antibiotic may not be necessary or desired. Accordingly, methods are contemplated that do not include pre-treatment with an antibiotic (e.g., pre-treatment is purposefully omitted).

The methods for treating a gastrointestinal disorder may also include administering a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient after administering the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient. The post-treatment antibiotic may be the same as or different from the pre-treatment antibiotic. In some instances, post-treatment with an antibiotic may not be necessary or desired. Accordingly, methods are contemplated that do not include post-treatment with an antibiotic (e.g., post-treatment is purposefully omitted).

The methods for treating a gastrointestinal disorder may also include administering a second dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient. Additional doses may also be administered. Multiple doses of the microbiota restoration therapy composition may be administered in conjunction with one or more doses of a pre-treatment antibiotic (e.g., as disclosed herein), in the absence of a pre-treatment antibiotic, in conjunction with one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic (e.g., as disclosed herein), in the absence of a post-treatment antibiotic, or the like.

In one example, a single dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient and a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

In another example, a primary dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient, a secondary dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient, and a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

In another example, a single dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient, a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient, and a secondary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

In another example, a primary dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient, a secondary dose of a pre-treatment antibiotic is administered to the patient, a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient, and a secondary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

In another example, a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient in the absence of administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

In another example, a primary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient and a secondary dose of the microbiota restoration therapy composition is administered to the patient. The primary and secondary doses of the microbiota restoration therapy composition are administered in the absence of administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient. This example may or may not include administration of one or more doses of a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient.

Administering the antibiotics and/or the microbiota restoration therapy compositions to the patient may include suitable routes of administration including those disclosed herein (e.g., orally, by enema, by suppository, or the like).

Human fecal material is by nature variable between donors and even varies from day-to-day in the same donor. Further, an individual sample of human fecal material has more than 1000 different microbes present at any time making it not feasible to test and delineate the entire fecal microbiome in a sample and even less feasible to determine the effect of individual species of microbes on a given disease, such as CDI. However, with the present disclosure, it has been found that a standardized or normal sample of fecal material can be identified and processed to a MRT composition or MRT product that assures safety and viability. With a variable raw material, the present composition is made using donor screening methods, fecal testing methods, fecal processing methods, processed material handling, storage and preservation methods, and testing methods to produce a consistent, reproducible, quality-controlled composition from human feces to be delivered as a therapeutic product for treating various conditions and disease states affected by microbial imbalance within the GI tract.

The present composition can begin with what is characterized as a normal human stool sample. In order to define a normal human stool sample the patient can be screened via questionnaire or other health history means coupled with blood and/or human stool testing to confirm or check other characteristics. Further, the human stool sample can be handled and processed in a controlled manner with the resultant product tested to confirm both that the human stool sample was normal and that the processing and handling has been completed in a way that maintains the viability of the microbes in the product composition. In addition to viability, selected testing can be performed to affirm the diversity of viable microbes present, another measure of healthy or normal stool. In this way, donor to donor variation and within donor day-to-day variation can be understood and utilized in the criteria for a normal human stool sample. Further, the validity of the processing and handling techniques as designed and implemented can be confirmed. The combination of collecting a normal human stool and using validated processing and handling techniques results in a standardized composition or product. Once a standardized composition is made, it must be stored and handled from production to administration in a way that maintains the viability of the product to assure successful treatment. A validated process which maintains viability of the standardized product from the time of production through administration to the patient is critical to successful treatment. It will be appreciated that during the processing of samples, the encapsulation of such extracts to produce medicaments of the disclosure, it may generally be desirable to track a sample to ensure that that the medicaments produced are tracked, stored and banked appropriately for later processing, handling and use. In order to facilitate such tracking it may be desirable that suitable tags be used to identify a sample, extract and medicine, and allow these to be associated with one another, and with the patient to be treated. This may be achieved by the use of RFID tags or DNA analysis of donor samples. One skilled in the art would be familiar with other tags suitable for tracking medicaments of the disclosure, for example bar codes.

In characterizing the human stool sample to determine whether it is normal or within the range considered normal, health history data, serum and/or blood analysis and human stool analysis can be utilized. Additionally, a constant set of processing parameters can be utilized to produce a product that can be cultured on selected media to determine the presence of viable select microbes and groups of microbes to confirm viability and diversity within the human stool sample. The processing parameters can also be utilized to produce a product that can be cultured on selected media to determine the absence of certain microbes and/or groups of microbes. This part of the processing protocol can be used to confirm safety of the stool sample for use in the MRT product.

The handling and processing of the human stool sample to a standardized and viable MRT product can include consistent and proven collection and handling techniques, filtering processes, controlled homogenization and addition of select liquids and amounts of these liquids. Further, the composition produced, which is the standardized composition or product, by this controlled and proven handling and processing, can be cultured on selected media to determine the presence of viable select microbes and groups of microbes to confirm the viability and microbe diversity in the product.

From the time of producing the standardized product through the time of administration to the patient, the standardized product must be maintained viable for successful treatment. This can include using a frozen storage technique and cryoprotectant to maintain viability. In particular, Applicants have discovered that polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be used as an effective cryoprotectant for MRT products. Time of storage, thawing technique, shipping technique and handling of the thawed product are also factors that affect viability and are defined herein. The techniques defined herein can be used from the time the stool donation is received through the production of the standardized product and through the administration to the patient. The techniques provided herein also allow for viability of the microbiota in the MRT product to be maintained and confirmed. Provided are protocols for confirming the presence, viability and diversity of select microbes and groups of microbes by culturing on selected media. Further, the techniques provided herein can be used to confirm the presence, viability and diversity of select microbes and groups of microbes at any point during the process, from collection to processing to production to storage to post-thaw to just prior to administration to a patient and at every point in between. In one embodiment, the cryoprotectant polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be mixed with the human stool sample and isotonic saline at the time of processing. PEG can be added at a concentration from about 0.1 g/ml. to about 70 g/ml, or from about 2 g/ml to about 68 g/ml, or from about 4 g/ml to about 65 g/ml, or from about 5 g/ml to about 60 g/ml. The PEG used can have an average molecular weight of about 600 to about 20000. In some embodiments, the PEG has an average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 4000, for example about 3350 as provided in the formulation of PEG 3350.

The growing of cultures to define normal human stool sample can include the following techniques, recognizing that the raw human stool cannot be consistently cultured. A processed sample product was made using a 50 gram (g) human stool sample and mixed under consistent conditions with a ratio of about 2 to about 4 mL of a PEG/saline mixture to 1 g of human stool in a sterile mixing/filter bag to create a bacterial suspension. In some embodiments, the bacterial suspension is filtered, according to standard techniques, prior to culturing. Plating and incubation of the bacterial suspension was done on growth media as described herein below, and was done according to industry standard anaerobic culture methods. Resulting colony forming units (CFU) were counted, and consistent results were achieved using these protocols.

Two culturing media are used to culture the bacterial suspension. The first is the Center for Disease Control (CDC) plate, commonly referred to as “CDC Anaerobe 5% Sheep Blood Agar plate. This plate is a general anaerobic microbe plate, which allows for the isolation and cultivation of fastidious and slow-growing obligately anaerobic bacteria. The second is the Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar (BBE) plate, which is a specific indicator species media for Bacteroides. Both types of media are commonly available for purchase through laboratory suppliers, such as Becton, Dickinson and Co., and Fisher Scientific, for example.

By culturing on selected media, Applicants are able to provide a measure of the diversity of microbes present in the human stool, the product produced and the product being administered. The techniques disclosed above can be used to provide a measure of the diversity of the microbes in a human stool sample at any stage. In particular, the CDC plates are designed to grow 5 to 7 different families of microbes that can be present in the MRT materials. In one non-limiting example, a CDC plate cultured with a bacterial suspension must have at least 3 identifiable genera of microbes growing thereon in order for the bacterial suspension to be processed and/or used for MRT therapy. Further, the use of the BBE plate can provide an additional measure of microbial diversity in the MRT product. The BBE plate grows multiple species within the Bacteroides genus of microbes. Sufficient CFUs on the BBE plates indicate the diversity within the genus present in the MRT product. In certain embodiments, the CDC plate or the BBE plate can be used alone as a measure of diversity. In other embodiments, both the CDC plate and the BBE plate can be used together to provide an enhanced measure of diversity at the microbe genus level, as well as at the species level within a particular microbe genus.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart depicting a portion of an example MRT production process. More particularly, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a process for collecting and inspecting a donor fecal sample. As a first step in the collecting/inspecting process, potential stool donors are screened. Screening/prescreening is described in more detail herein. Once the donor passes the screening, step two may include collecting the donor's stool using a human stool collection kit as defined herein, whether at home or at a collection facility. The kit can include, but is not limited to, a clean human stool collection container with lid, a large closeable/sealable bag, a donation form and a human stool collection instruction sheet. The time and date of collection, along with donor identity and method of transport, can be recorded in order to track the time from collection to processing, and the conditions of transport. As a non-limiting example, the collection container can include an indicator of the minimum and the maximum temperature to which the sample is exposed. As another non-limiting example, one or more temperature sensitive stickers that changes color at temperatures below about 4° C. and temperatures greater than about room temperature (about 22-29° C.) can be affixed to the container.

Step three may involve transporting the sample to a processing facility. It can be appreciated that if the sample is collected at the processing facility, transporting the sample is not necessary. In some instances it may be desirable to collect the sample at the processing facility in order to more clearly establish the chain of custody of the sample. With the receipt of the first stool donation for any individual, a profile will be established for each donor. Subsequent stool samples can be subjected to a human stool test, which is utilized to match and confirm the identity of the donor with the donation. Based on prior collected samples, a human stool profile for the donor is generated and can be maintained or enhanced over repeated donations. Any new sample will be compared with this profile to confirm it is the same donor. Differentiation can be made to confirm donor identity based on the representation of Bacterioides species in the human stool. In a non-limiting example, the base set of stool samples used to create the profile is collected at the processing facility to assure donor identity in the profile samples. In another non-limiting example, the base set of stool samples used to create the profile can be collected in locations other than the processing facility, with donor identity assurance protocols appropriate to the situation or location.

Step four of the method may include labeling the donation “Quarantine” and holding the donation in quarantine at or below room temperature for no longer than 24 hours prior to processing. Donations may be rejected in situations where the temperature indicator has been activated or where the time between donation and receipt exceeds 24 hours. In addition, where applicable, the human stool test results must match the donor profile. If the human stool test does not match the donor profile, the donation collected for that day will be discarded and the donor will be disqualified.

In one method of the disclosure, the human stool sample is processed within about 24 hours of collection. In another method of the application, the time of collection is recorded at the time of arrival of the stool sample at the processing facility. Step six may include inspecting the stool donation. Visual inspection can be completed upon arrival of the stool sample at the processing facility. In the event the human stool sample is loose, unformed, is not of sufficient weight (e.g., less than about 50 g), or for any other reason, including but not limited to evidence indicating poor sample quality or concerns about donor health, the sample may be rejected, labeled “Inspection—Rejected” and the donation is discarded. Further, answers to questions on the human stool collection form can be reviewed by trained personnel. Certain answers in the collection form may require ample rejection. If the sample is accepted, it may be labeled “Inspection—Accepted” and may be moved to a manufacturing process.

Another example method of screening donors, obtaining human stool samples, and processing the stool samples to a MRT product is illustrated in the flow chart depicted in FIG. 2. Step one may include enlisting potential donors. Step two may include having the potential donors complete an Initial Donor Health History Questionnaire (IDHHQ). The questionnaire may be similar to that used by the Red Cross for screen of potential blood donors (with potentially additional screening questions, if desired). A result of “fail” causes the potential donor to be rejected and removed from the donor pool. For example, a donor will receive a “fail” result under conditions similar to what would cause a potential donor to fail a Red Cross screen. A result of “pass” causes the donor to be accepted for further testing. Step four may involve further testing and review which, if the donor fails, removes the donor from the pool. Donors are regularly screened for common infectious diseases and other conditions as listed herein. A review of the donor's medical history by trained personnel, and repeat screening tests, will be conducted at regular intervals, such as, but not limited to, approximately every 15-90 days. Screening can include the constituents listed in Table 1, below.

TABLE 1 Donor Screening Tests Test Name Material Tested Acceptance Criteria C. difficile B via PCR and GDH Stool Negative for C. difficile GDH result is not a pass/fail criterion - for information only Norovirus via PCR Stool Negative Rotovirus via PCR Stool Negative Adenovirus via PCR Stool Negative Enteric Pathogens (Shigella, Stool Negative for Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobactoer, Salmonella, Camphylobacter, sorbitol-negative E. coli., sorbitol-negative E. coli., Aeromonas, Yersinia, Aeromonas, Yersinia, and Plesiomonas, Shiga toxins) Plesiomonas. No Shiga toxins detected Giardia Antigen Stool Negative Cryptosporidium Antigen Stool Negative Acid-fast Staining Stool Negative (Clyslospora, Isospora) Ova and Parasites Stool No detection/identification of: Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica (amoeba), Helminth eggs, protozoa, larval worms and segments Vancomycin-resistant Stool No VRE isolated enterococci (VRE) Methicillin-resistant Stool No MRSA isolated Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Vibrio Stool Non-reactive Listeria Blood (Serum) Negative Human Immunodeficiiency Virus Blood (Serum) Non-reactive (HIV) Hepatitis A (IgG); must be + or Blood (Serum) Non-reactive else be vaccinated Hepatitis B: Anti-Hepatitis B Blood (Serum) Non-reactive surface antigen must be + or else be vaccinated Hepatitis C Antibody Blood (Serum) Non-reactive Treponema Antibody Blood (Serum) Negative These are just examples. Other tests may also be utilized.

Step five may involve accepting a passing donor into the donor pool, and step six may involve supplying the donor with a stool collection kit. Step seven may involve starting a schedule of regular collections of stool samples from the accepted donor, and step eight may involve manufacturing a drug product from the collected stool samples. Step nine may involve quarantining the drug product, and step ten may involve rescreening the donor stool sample at 45 days. If the sample fails the screening, all drug product produced from that donor over the past 45 days is discarded. If the sample passes the screening, the drug product is released from quarantine (step 11).

In another exemplary method, a human stool sample is weighed and 45 to 75 g of the sample is transferred into a sterile filter bag. A mixture of saline and a cryoprotectant (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350) is used as a diluent, and thus can be added to the human stool sample. As used herein, the terms “saline/PEG mixture” and “diluent” are interchangeable. The PEG concentration of the diluent can be approximately about 30-90 g/liter. The PEG concentration of the diluent can also be approximately between about 25-75 g/liter. In one example, the ratio of saline/PEG mixture to stool sample is 2:1, or 2 mL saline/PEG mixture to 1 gram human stool. As a non-limiting example, approximately 100 mL of saline/PEG mixture can be used for 50 g of human stool. While saline/PEG may be suitable for use as a diluent (and/or cryoprotectant), this is not intended to be limiting. Other cryoprotectants may also be utilized. For example, dextrose, betaine, glycine, sucrose, polyvinyl alcohol, Pluronic F-127, mannitol, tween 80, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, glycerol, PEG/glycerol mix, propylene glycol, or combinations thereof may be used as cryoprotectants. These materials may be used alone or in combination with a solvent such as saline.

Once the diluent is added to the bag containing the human stool sample, the bag is sealed. Using a paddle mixer, the stool sample is mixed with the diluent. The product of the mixed stool sample and diluent is referred to as a bacterial preparation.

The bacterial preparation can be filtered according to standard techniques and the filtrate can be removed from the mixing bag and transferred into sterile pouches or bags. In some embodiments, the bacterial preparation is not filtered.

In other embodiments, each bag containing the bacterial preparation (filtered or not filtered) is the equivalent of one dose of MRT product and is treated as one dose of MRT. In other embodiments, the bags may be stored according to proper protocol and aliquoted into smaller amounts at a later date. In still other embodiments, the bags may be stored according to proper protocol, and combined to make one or more doses. Additionally, one or more of the bags of the bacterial preparation can be retained for Quality Control (QC).

In one non-limiting example, the bags can be labeled with the product number and frozen. Once this occurs, the bags may be considered doses of MRT product. The product number can include reference to the donor ID and date of manufacture (date of processing). The MRT product can be frozen at about −20° C. to about −80° C. or colder. The MRT product can then be quarantined until the evaluation of the results from the QC test and the additional tests, as described below.

In another non-limiting example, the bags can be labeled with the product number and frozen. The product number can include reference to the donor ID and date of manufacture (date of processing). These labeled bags can be frozen at about −20° C. to about −80° C. or colder (e.g., as cold as about −192° C. as may be accomplished by freezing under liquid nitrogen, if desired). The contents of the bags can then be quarantined until the evaluation of the results from the QC test and the additional tests, as described below.

In one exemplary test of the quality of the manufactured MRT product (including the viability of the microbes as processed), a fecal donation or stool sample collected from a single qualified donor on a single day can be processed. In some embodiments, no pooling of samples between donors or between samples of an individual donor will be done. In other embodiments, sample preparations from an individual donor are pooled or combined. In other embodiments, sample preparations from more than one donor are combined.

A sample of the processed human stool or the MRT product can be diluted, plated, incubated and counted according to standard industry procedures. Anaerobic CFU can be counted on a CDC plate and Bacteroides CFU can be counted on a BBE plate. Plate counts will be checked against the Quality Control standards, which can include, but are not limited to, testing results from prior donations for the particular donor and other established, appropriate standards. If the counts are within the acceptable range, the MRT product will be considered acceptable. If the counts are not within the acceptable range, all bags of the MRT product made from the same human stool sample will be removed from the freezer and destroyed. Final acceptable count ranges can be between about 30 to about 300 CFU at a serial dilution level of 10⁻⁶ on the CDC plates and about 30 to about 300 CFU at a serial dilution level of 10⁻⁵ on the BBE plates, prior to freezing of the sample preparation or MRT product.

An exemplary method of processing a drug substance (MRT composition) from release from quarantine to shipment to a customer is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Step one may include releasing a drug substance from quarantine, and step two may include moving the collection container to a Level II BioSafety cabinet. Step three may include taring a filter bag on a bag holder in the BioSafety cabinet on a calibrated scale, followed by weighing about 50 g±10 g of the drug substance into the filter bag in step four. Step five may include adding 3 mL/g of premixed PEG/saline solution to the drug substance in the filter bag. The premixed PEG/saline solution may be prepared in step A by reconstituting PEG powder at a concentration of 30 g/L in 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation USP. Step six may include sealing the loaded filter bag into a closure bag and sealing the closure bag. Step seven may include removing the sealed bag assembly from the BioSafety cabinet and putting the bag into a paddle mixer. In step eight the bag may be mixed in the paddle mixer at 230 rpm for 2 minutes, following by removing the bag from the paddle mixer and returning the bag to the BioSafety cabinet in step nine. In step ten, 150 mL of the filtered suspension may be pipetted into an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) enema bag, followed by sealing the enema bag in step eleven. A sample from the filtered suspension may be set aside for product quality testing. In step B1, CDC and BBE plates may be prepared. Step B2 may include creating serial dilutions from the remaining filtered suspension. This step is performed once per batch. In step B3 the CDC and BBE plates are inoculated with the serial dilutions and incubated for 48 hours at 37° C. In step B4 the colony forming units (CFU) per plate are counted.

The exemplary method is continued in FIG. 3B. In step thirteen, the drug product sealed in an EVA enema bag may pre-cooled at 0° C. for 60 minutes. In step fourteen the EVA bag may be placed in an −80° C. freezer in quarantine until results are received from step B and donor testing. If the drug product fails the testing, all of the affected doses of the drug product are discarded. If the drug product passes the testing, the EVA bag may be moved, in step fifteen, from quarantine to a long term storage area of the −80° C. freezer. While the drug product is stored in the −80° C. freezer, an order may be received from a customer. In step sixteen, the EVA bag may be removed from the freezer and thawed to 0° C. for 60 minutes. In step seventeen, the EVA bag may be inspected for leaks. If the bag fails the inspection, the product is discarded, and if the bag passes the inspection, the EVA bag is packaged in step 18 and shipped to the customer.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting a portion of a generic illustrative method for preparing a stool sample for MRT as an oral dosage. The stool sample may first be collected and screened 100, for example, in the method described with respect to FIG. 1. Once the sample has been accepted, the sample may be purified and concentrated 102. The sample may be purified using centrifugation, membrane filtration, or a combination thereof to remove fecal material above a certain particle size. It is contemplated that since most bacteria of interest are in the rage of 0.3 microns (μm) to 30 μm, the sample may be processed to remove particles greater than 50-70 μm. The sample may be processed to obtain a 75% to 90% concentration of the bacteria. This may allow for an increased flexibility in the ratio of formulation excipients to bacteria for further processing.

The sample may be membrane filtered in a number of different ways, including, but not limited to the use of filter bags, pressure filters, and/or vacuum filters. In some instances, the sample may be filtered multiple times using a smaller filter membrane with each subsequent filtering. In some instances, saline may be added as a diluent in a ratio of 1:3 (stool to saline), although this is not required. In one example, the sample may be placed in a 500 μm filter bag, with or without a diluent, and agitated using, for example, Stomacher agitation at 230 rpm for approximately 2 minutes to obtain a filtrate having a particle size of approximately 500 μm or less. This filtrate may then be placed in a filter bag having a pore size smaller than 500 μm, for example, 280 μm. The sample may be agitated again using, for example, Stomacher agitation at 230 rpm with or without a diluent for approximately 4 minutes to obtain a filtrate having a particle size of approximately 280 μm or less. This filtrate may be placed in another filter bag having a pore size smaller than, for example, 280 μm, such as, but not limited to 60 μm. The sample may be agitated again using, for example, Stomacher agitation at 230 rpm with or without a diluent for approximately 4 minutes to produce a filtrate having a particle size of approximately 50-70 μm or less.

In another example, the sample may be placed in a 500 μm filter bag, with or without a diluent, and agitated using, for example, Stomacher agitation obtain a filtrate having a particle size of approximately 500 μm or less. This filtrate may then be processed using a pressure filter having a pore size of approximately 160 μm and the resulting filtrate processed using a pressure filter having a pore size of approximately 60 μm. In some instances, the sample may be need to be processed a second time using a bag filter having a pores size between 160 μm and 500 μm prior to using the pressure filter.

In another example, the sample may be placed in a 500 μm filter bag, with or without a diluent, and agitated using, for example, Stomacher agitation obtain a filtrate having a particle size of approximately 500 μm or less. This filtrate may then be processed using a vacuum filter having a pore size of approximately 160 μm and the resulting filtrate processed using a vacuum filter having a pore size of approximately 60 μm. In some instances, the sample may be need to be processed a second time using a bag filter having a pores size between 160 μm and 500 μm prior to using the pressure filter.

Once the sample has been processed to have a particle size of approximately 60 μm or less, the sample may then be washed and further concentrated using a centrifuge. In some instances, centrifuge tubes may have a volume in the range of 50 to 500 mL, or more. The filtered suspension is filled to approximately 20 to 80% of the volume of the centrifuge tube. In one example, the samples may be centrifuged at 1100 to 3600 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 10 to 15 minutes cycles. In another example, the samples may be centrifuged at a rate such that the centrifugal force is in the range of about 8-12,000 g (e.g., about 10,000 g) for 15-45 minutes or 20-30 minutes. The centrifuge may be ramped up or gradually accelerated to the speed needed to create a centrifugal force in the rage of about 8-12,000 g (e.g., about 10,000 g). It is further contemplated that the centrifuge may also be slowly ramped down or decelerated when the centrifugation process is complete. In some instances, it may be desirable to decelerate the centrifuge as slowly as possible so that the return to atmospheric pressure is slow so as to protect the bacterial cells from potentially bursting. The supernatant is removed and the remaining material in the tube is the purified intermediate MRT composition. This may result in a product that has been concentrated by approximately 60%. In some instances, the centrifugation process may be a 2-tiered process. For example, the product may first undergo a “pre-spin” (for example 300 g for 2-5 minutes) to remove fecal fibrous material and then may undergo a longer centrifugation to concentrate the product. It is further contemplated that volumes of up to 300 mL may be centrifuged without resulting in a drop in the amount of concentration. The resulting MRT composition is a bacterial suspension having a particle size of 70 μm or less and a bacterial concentration on the order of approximately 1×10¹⁰ CFU/g. The resulting MRT composition may also be stable for 3 weeks at refrigeration conditions.

In some embodiments, centrifugation alone can be used multiple times for purification and concentration. However, the particle size of the bacterial suspension may still be in a range (e.g. greater than 60 μm) that clogs pipet tips. However, in some instances, wide pipette tips may be used. Whether this is successful or not is dependent on the input fecal material, which is variable. It is further contemplated that a system of separators and decanters could be used if the batch size was in the range of several tens of liters, or more. However, this may not be required is the starting product has been previously processed.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to stabilize the processed sample in suspension 104 at refrigeration conditions for a period of time in the range of one to two weeks. In some instances, removal of the fecal material and replacement with carriers or excipients which are soluble in an aqueous solution may allow the bacteria to be suspended in the liquid and further processed without stability concerns. Considerations for these excipient solutions may be pH, concentration, and isotonicity or isosmolality. Excipients may be selected based on protein and monoclonal antibody formulations and their proposed role in stabilizing biologics. Some example excipients that may be used to provide liquid stabilization 104 of the sample may include, but are not limited to: salt (NaCl), sucrose, trehalose, L-arginine monohydrochloride, and/or PEG 3350, as summarized in Table 1 below. Lists of other potential excipients can be found in tables I and III in Seong Hoon Jeong, Arch Pharm Res Vol 35, No 11, 1871-1886, 2012 and in Tables in Pramanick et al. Pharma Times, Vol 45, No. 3, March 2013.

TABLE 1 Summary of illustrative excipients. MW Excipient (g/mol) Solution % M (g/mol) NaCl 58.44 0.9 0.15 Sucrose 342.3 6 0.18 Sucrose 342.3 9.25 0.27 Sucrose 342.3 12 0.35 L-Arginine 210.66 0.5 0.02 Monohydrochloride L-Arginine 210.66 1.5 0.07 Monohydrochloride L-Arginine 210.66 3 0.14 Monohydrochloride PEG 3350 3350 1 0.00 PEG 3350 3350 5 0.01 PEG 3350 3350 10 0.03 L-Arginine 210.66 0.17 0.01 Monohydrochloride

It is contemplated that similar excipients may also be used to protect the bacteria during membrane filtration. For example, Farber and Sharpe in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, August 1984, P. 441-443 state that bacterial recovery is improved in the presence of certain food debris (carrots, cheese, peaches, tuna)—pH may be important—pH 5.88 to 6.40 for carrots, pH 4.75-5.02 for cheese, pH 5.9 to 6.2 for tuna, pH 3.3 to 4.05 for peaches. The presence of sugars, carbohydrates, or proteins may be important, properties of these foods that coat the bacteria, support bacterial growth (pre-biotic activity) or support the bacterial cell wall during filtration may be important.

Suitable carriers may vary with the desired form and mode of administration of the composition. For example, they may include diluents or excipients such as fillers, binders, wetting agents, disintegrators, surface-active agents, glidants, lubricants, and the like. Typically, the carrier may be a solid (including powder), liquid, or combinations thereof. Each carrier is preferably “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients in the composition and not injurious to the subject. The carrier may be biologically acceptable and inert (e.g., it permits the composition to maintain viability of the biological material until delivered to the appropriate site).

Oral compositions may include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules, e.g., gelatin capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared by combining a composition of the present disclosure with a food. In one embodiment a food used for administration is chilled, for instance, ice cream. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, orange flavoring, or other suitable flavorings. These are for purposes of example only and are not intended to be limiting.

Once the purified sample has been purified and stabilized in an aqueous suspension which may be suitable for delivery via a gastro-nasal tube or an enema, the sample may be further processed to be suitable for an oral delivery, such as in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. For example, the aqueous solution may be converted to a solid 106. A list of bacterial processing techniques can be found in Martin et al., Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 27 (2015) 15-25.

In some instances, lyophilization, or freeze-drying, may be used to convert the sample from a liquid to a solid. The sample may be provided with a cryoprotectant such as, but not limited to PEG, skim milk, charcoal, ascorbic acid or a combination thereof to protect the bacteria from the effects of freezing. The sample may also be provided with a lyoprotectant such as, but not limited to sucrose, inositol, trehalose, glycerol, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the sample may also be provided with an enrichment material which may provide acid buffering. Alternatively or additionally, the enrichment material may also keep the bacteria more active which may facilitate analytical testing. Some example enrichment materials may include, but are not limited to skim milk, charcoal, gelatin, ascorbic acid, GI media, or combinations thereof. Alternatively or additionally, an oxygen scavenger may be added to the sample prior to and/or after lyophilization. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an oxygen scavenger may improve the stability and/or viability of the sample. It is contemplated that lyophilization tubes may include an insert that can be used to expel a lyophilized pellet from the lyophilization tube after freeze-drying. The width of the lyophilization tube may be smaller than the width of a capsule shell for oral treatment. This may allow for the displacement of a tray of pellets directly into the capsule shells. It is contemplated that this may reduce or eliminate the need for particle sizing of the formulation or blending it further 108 for improvement in flow properties into the capsule. The dose may also be determined by pellet size. In some instances, a pellet produced in the lyophilization process may include approximately 4.5×10⁸ CFU (CDC). A size 0 capsule may accommodate three pellets. Thus, a capsule may include approximately 6.7×10⁹ CFU (CDC). Eight capsules taken twice a day may be required to be equivalent to one enema dose. Further, there may be no need to test for homogeneity of the batch of pellets that are mixed together prior to capsule filling. In some instances, tampering may allow for a greater concentration or number of pellets within each capsule. For example, tampering of the pellets within the capsule may allow for about 2-4 times (e.g., about 2.5 times) the number of pellets in each capsule (e.g., without tampering each capsule may accommodate 2-4 or about 3 pellets whereas with tampering each capsule may accommodate about 7-10 or about 8 pellets). This may help to reduce the number of capsules a patient may need to take in order to achieve the desired dose.

In other instances, it may be desirable to preserve the sample through vaporization foam drying. It is contemplated that traditional excipients and equipment may be used with this process. Higher excipient concentrations and optimal process parameters to produce foam during processing may result in low water content formulations. The lower the water content; the greater the probability of stability at room temperature. Once the sample has been dried 106, the sample may be further processed to achieve a desired particle size and/or blending 108 in order to prepare the sample for oral product processing.

In yet other embodiments the liquid sample may be microencapsulated by lipids to protect from bile, alginates, and/or polymers. Once the sample has been encapsulated, the sample may be further processed to achieve a desired particle size and/or blending 108 in order to prepare the sample for oral product processing.

After the sample has been processed to a desired particle size and/or blended 106 in order to prepare the sample for oral product processing, the sample may be encapsulated 110. It is contemplated that the encapsulation process may provide for low pH protection 112. For example, the encapsulation process may prevent or substantially prevent capsule shells, tablets, and/or troches from breaking down in the acidic environment of the stomach such that the MRT composition is released in the desired portion of the intestinal tract. It is contemplated that an enteric coated capsule may be needed to provide for protection in the stomach and have disintegration of the capsule in the small and large intestine. In some instances, the capsules may be pan coated with the enteric coating. Enteric coating materials may include fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibers. Pan coating of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), or also called Hypromellose capsules, will protect at low pH and also help to protect from moisture. Some suitable capsules may include DRcaps™ and Vcaps™ available from Capsugel®. Likewise, AR caps having a composition of 60% HPMC and 40% HPMCP (hypromellose phthalate) may have the same properties. Capsule types that are not gelatin may contain less water (gelatin caps usually 10 to 12% water, versus other polymer capsules have 3-4% or less water). Banding of the capsule with polymers that are insoluble in low pH environments may be required, as will be discussed in more detail below. In other instances, the capsules may be stacked such that 2 or more capsules are used to enclose the sample. For example, the sample may be placed in a capsule and then that capsule placed in another larger capsule.

In some instances, in the absence of a band securing the capsule components together, the capsule may undesirably open or break apart in the stomach. For example, an un-banded capsule may open within less than 30 minutes or even less than 15 minutes after being ingested. This may cause the product to be prematurely released within the stomach instead of in the intestines where it is more desirable. In contrast, a capsule that has been banded with a low pH-resistant polymer may not fully disintegrate and/or release the product for 5 or more hours. This may allow the capsule to pass through the stomach intact and allow the product to be released into the intestines where the bacteria is desired. It is further contemplated that releasing the MRT composition into the more neutral environment of the intestines, as opposed to the acidic environment of the stomach (in the range of a pH of 1.2) may allow more bacteria to survive. Banding the capsule may include placing a band of low pH-resistant polymer over the region where the first and second capsule portions overlap.

In some embodiments, superdisintegrants may be used to expand the dosage form (e.g. capsule or tablet) to improve the probability of bacteria contacting the intestinal wall. For example, cross-linked cellulose swells 4 to 8 times in 10 seconds, cross-linked starch swells 7 to 12 times in less than 30 seconds, and cross-linked alginic acid experiences rapid swelling in an aqueous medium or wicking action.

The presence of pre-biotics may be desired to ensure bacterial growth at site of action in the intestine. These are materials that can be added to the capsule formulation or dosed separately at the same administration time. Some suitable additives may include galacto-oligosaccharides, inulin-derivatives such as fructo-oligosaccharides, cellulose, dextrins, chitins, pectins, beta-glucans, waxes, lignin, phytochemicals (bioactive non-nutrient plant compounds present in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods), carotenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing and organosulfur compounds. It is contemplated that L-arginine and PEG excipients, in certain concentration ranges, may produce water and electrolyte secretion when the drug product is delivered. This may enhance the bacteria's ability to attach and grow in the intestine. Other excipients that produce this effect may also improve the therapeutic effect.

An oral product may be packaged in a number of different ways including, but not limited to, blister packaging or a bottle. In some instances, an oxygen scavenger and/or a desiccant may be placed in the bottle and/or blister packaging. The blister packaging and/or bottle may include features configured to make the packing child resistant. For example, a bottle may be provided with a child resistant cap and the blister pack may be provided with a child resistant outer sleeve. In some instances, the blister pack may include graphics designed to guide the patient on how to use the pack. For example, the blister pack may provide guidance on how many pills to take on a given day and/or what time of day to take the pills. The packaging may include monitoring devices to monitor the shipping conditions. As a non-limiting example, the packaging containers can include an indicator of the minimum and the maximum temperature to which the product is exposed. As another non-limiting example, one or more temperature sensitive stickers that changes color at temperatures below about 4° C. and temperatures greater than about room temperature (about 22-29° C.) can be affixed to the container.

FIG. 5 summarizes one example of a delivery method in a flow chart. A customer or site order of an MRT product triggers a released product to be pulled from long term storage at −80° C. The site may be a doctor's office, clinic, hospital, or other location where the MRT product is to be used. The product is thawed and labeled. Quality control (QC) of the labeling process is performed, with a failure of the labeling process causing the product to be re-labeled and again passed through quality control. Passing QC moves the product to the packaging stage where the product is packaged into shipping boxes and then shipped to the site.

FIG. 6 summarizes another example of a delivery method in a flow chart. The product is ordered, received, and inspected. Failure of the product to pass inspection causes the product to be discarded, a report to be sent to the processing center, and a re-order of product to be placed. If the product passes the inspection, a report is sent to the processing center, and the product is either taken to the patient for treatment or stored in a secured location prior to being taken to the patient for treatment. In either case, the primary packaging is discarded after the product is given to the patient.

An example packaging system 10 is shown in FIG. 7. Packaging system 10 may include a sample bag 12. Sample bag 12 may be used to contain an MRT composition as described herein, a protective inner box 14, a tube assembly 16, a package 18 (e.g., TYVEK®) for tube assembly 16, a shelf box 20 (which will house sample bag 12, protective inner box 14, tube assembly 16 within package 18, and instructions). Shelf box 20 may be placed in an insulated shipping box 22 (e.g., which may include Styrofoam) along with ice packs and shipping box 22 may be transported to a treatment facility. Shipping box 22 may be closed and taped shut in an H-pattern to limit the exchange of air between packaging system 10 and the outside atmosphere.

Packaging system 10 was then subjected to a varying range of temperatures over an extended time period. The testing conditions included removal of sample bag 12 from a thaw bath (e.g., at 0±0.5° C.), placing packaging system 10 in a “cold” environment (e.g., −20±3° C. for 4 h±30 min), holding packing system 10 at room temperature for a first time period (22±3° C. for 8 h±30 min), placing packaging system 10 in a “hot” environment (50±3° C. for 4 h±30 min), holding packing system 10 at room temperature for a second time period (22±3° C. for 8 h±30 min), placing packaging system 10 in a “warm” environment (35±3° C. for 4 h±30 min), and holding packing system 10 at room temperature for a third time period (22±3° C. for 8 h±30 min). Under these conditions, the temperature of sample bag 12 remained below 20° C. for the entire period (approximately 36 hours). According to these test results, packaging system 10 provides suitable protection to sample bag 12 from climatic extremes anticipated for the delivery of the MRT compositions disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates sample bag 12. Bag 12 may be formed from ethyl vinyl acetate. Other materials are contemplated. For example, bag 12 may include a polyethylene terephthalate polyester film, a material substantially impervious to gases, other polymers, or the like. Bag 12 may resemble an intravenous bag, and optionally bag 12 may include an attachment that will allow bag 12 to be hung on a stand, (e.g., to be positioned/hung above an endoscope).

Bag 12 may have a capacity in the range of about 25-250 ml (e.g., 50 ml). Bag 12 may have a fill port 24 for transporting the MRT composition into bag 12. Fill port 24 may include a luer or other type of adapter to facilitate transportation of the MRT composition. After filling bag 12 with the MRT composition, fill port 24 may be sealed, effectively sealing the MRT composition within bag 12. Bag 12 may also include a spike port 26. Spike port 26 may be utilized to extract the MRT composition from bag 12 at the time of use.

FIG. 9 illustrates tube assembly 16. Tube assembly 16 may include a spike member 28 that is designed to piece spike port 26 on bag 12. Tube assembly 16 may also include a tube body 30 with a step adapter 32. Step adapter 32 may allow tube 16 to be coupled with a delivery tube 34.

Tube assembly 16 may include a number of additional features. For example, a clamp 36 may be coupled to delivery tube 34. In addition, a visual marker 38 may also be disposed along delivery tube 34. A spike cover 40 may be disposed along spike member 28.

The MRT compositions disclosed herein are designed to remain stable over extended periods of time at various temperature conditions. For example, when stored at temperatures of approximately 20-25° C., the MRT compositions may remain stable (e.g., with a viable population of microbes) for about 24 hours or more, for about 48 hours or more, for about 96 hours or more, or for about 192 hours or more. When stored at temperatures of approximately 4° C., the MRT compositions may remain stable (e.g., with a viable population of microbes) for about 24 hours or more, for about 48 hours or more, for about 96 hours or more, for about 192 hours or more, or for about 240 hours or more. In other words, the “thawed shelf life” of the MRT compositions may be on the order of about 24 hours or more, about 48 hours or more, about 96 hours or more, about 192 hours or more, or about 240 hours or more.

When stored at temperatures of approximately −20° C., the MRT compositions may remain stable (e.g., with a viable population of microbes) for about 60-90 days or more, for about 4-6 months or more, or for about 6-9 months or more. When stored at temperatures of approximately −80° C., the MRT compositions may remain stable (e.g., with a viable population of microbes) for about 60-90 days or more, for about 4-6 months or more, for about 6-9 months or more, or for about 12 months or more. In other words, the “frozen shelf life” of the MRT compositions may be on the order of about 60-90 days or more, about 4-6 months or more, about 6-9 months or more, or about 12 months or more. It is contemplated that an MRT compositions prepared for oral delivery may be stable at room temperature or refrigeration conditions.

The MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 phylum, at least 2 phyla, at least 3 phyla, at least 4 phyla, at least 5 phyla, at least 6 phyla, at least 7 phyla, at least 8 phyla, at least 9 phyla, or at least 10 phyla. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 class, at least 2 classes, at least 3 classes, at least 4 classes, at least 5 classes, at least 6 classes, or at least 7 classes. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 order, at least 2 orders, at least 3 orders, at least 4 orders, at least 5 orders, at least 6 orders, or at least 7 orders. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 family, at least 2 families, at least 3 families, at least 4 families, at least 5 families, at least 6 families, at least 7 families. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, or at least 30 different genera of bacteria. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include at least 10, at least 50, at least 100, at least 200, at least 300, or at least 400 different species of bacteria.

For example, the MRT compositions may include viable bacteria from 1 or more orders or 2 or more orders including, but not limited to, Bacteroidales and Clostridiales. In some embodiments, about 20-95%, or about 30-85%, or about 40-60% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the order Bacteroidales. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 10-85%, or about 20-60%, or about 30-40% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the order Clostridiales.

In addition or alternatively, the MRT compositions may include bacteria from 5 or more families, or about 6-12 families, or about 7-10 families. This may include bacteria from the families Bacteroidaceae, Burkholderiales, Clostridiaceae, Clostridiales, Eubacteriaceae, Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Streptococcaceae. In some embodiments, about 20-84%, or about 30-50%, or about 36-48% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Bacteroidaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-2% or about 1% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Burkholderiales. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 1-10%, or about 1-8%, or about 2-7% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Clostridiaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 1-22%, or about 3-22%, or about 1-10%, or about 1-8%, or about 4-7% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Clostridiales. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 1-10%, or about 1-9%, or about 4-8% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Eubacteriaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-2% or about 1% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Firmicutes. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-23%, or about 1-10%, or about 4-9% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Lachnospiraceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-8%, or about 1-5%, or about 1-3% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Porphyromonadaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-2% or about 1% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Prevotellaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 1-30%, or about 1-52%, or about 4-23% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Rikenellaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 5-30%, or about 8-25%, or about 10-18% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Ruminococcaceae. In some of these and in other embodiments, about 0.5-2% or about 1% of the viable bacterial in the MRT compositions may be from the family Streptococcaceae.

The MRT compositions of the present disclosure may have a Shannon Diversity Index of about 0.4-2.5, or about 1.0-2.0, or about 1.08-1.89, or about 1.25-1.75. These numbers are calculated at the “family” level. Doing calculations at other levels (e.g., phyla, species, etc.) would result in different numbers (e.g., 1-8 or so). Therefore, the Shannon Diversity Index may be on the order of about 1-8 when calculated at the phyla, species, or other levels.

An MRT composition of the present disclosure may be administered by a method suitable for depositing in the gastrointestinal tract, preferably the colon, of a subject (e.g., human, mammal, animal, etc.). Examples of routes of administration include rectal administration by colonoscopy, suppository, enema, upper endoscopy, upper push enteroscopy. Additionally, intubation through the nose or the mouth by nasogastric tube, nasoenteric tube, or nasal jejunal tube may be utilized. Oral administration by a solid such as a pill, tablet, a suspension, a gel, a geltab, a semisolid, a tablet, a sachet, a lozenge or a capsule or microcapsule, or as an enteral formulation, or re-formulated for final delivery as a liquid, a suspension, a gel, a geltab, a semisolid, a tablet, a sachet, a lozenge or a capsule, or as an enteral formulation may be utilized as well. Compositions may be treated or untreated fecal flora, entire (or substantially entire) microbiota, or partially, substantially or completely isolated or purified fecal flora, is lyophilized, freeze-dried or frozen, or processed into a powder.

For therapeutic use in the method of the present disclosure, a composition may be conveniently administered in a form containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Suitable carriers are well known in the art and vary with the desired form and mode of administration of the composition. For example, they may include diluents or excipients such as fillers, binders, wetting agents, disintegrators, surface-active agents, glidants, lubricants, and the like. Typically, the carrier may be a solid (including powder), liquid, or combinations thereof. Each carrier is preferably “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients in the composition and not injurious to the subject. The carrier may be biologically acceptable and inert (e.g., it permits the composition to maintain viability of the biological material until delivered to the appropriate site).

Oral compositions may include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules, e.g., gelatin capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared by combining a composition of the present disclosure with a food. In one embodiment a food used for administration is chilled, for instance, ice cream. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating to agent such as alginic acid, primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, orange flavoring, or other suitable flavorings. These are for purposes of example only and are not intended to be limiting.

The active compounds can also be prepared in the form of suppositories (e.g., with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas for rectal delivery. The active compounds may be prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Such formulations can be prepared using standard techniques. The materials can also be obtained commercially from, for instance, Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art.

A composition may be encapsulated. For instance, when the composition is to be administered orally, the dosage form is formulated so the composition is not exposed to conditions prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract before the colon, e.g., high acidity and digestive enzymes present in the stomach and/or intestine. The encapsulation of compositions for therapeutic use is routine in the art. Encapsulation may include hard-shelled capsules, which may be used for dry, powdered ingredients soft-shelled capsules. Capsules may be made from aqueous solutions of gelling agents such as animal protein (e.g., gelatin), plant polysaccharides or derivatives like carrageenans and modified forms of starch and cellulose. Other ingredients may be added to a gelling agent solution such as plasticizers (e.g., glycerin and or sorbitol), coloring agents, preservatives, disintegrants, lubricants and surface treatment.

Formulations suitable for rectal administration include gels, creams, lotions, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, dissolvable solid materials, douches, and the like. The formulations are preferably provided as unit-dose suppositories comprising the active ingredient in one or more solid carriers forming the suppository base, for example, cocoa butter. Suitable carriers for such formulations include petroleum jelly, lanolin, polyethyleneglycols, alcohols, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, colonic washes with the rapid recolonization deployment agent of the present disclosure may be formulated for colonic or rectal administration.

Formulations suitable for oral administration may be provided as discrete units, such as tablets, capsules, cachets, syrups, elixirs, chewing gum, “lollipop” formulations, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, lozenges, or gel-coated ampules, each containing a predetermined amount of the active compound; as powders or granules; as solutions or suspensions in aqueous or non-aqueous liquids; or as oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions.

Formulations suitable for transmucosal methods, such as by sublingual or buccal administration include lozenges patches, tablets, and the like comprising the active compound and, typically a flavored base, such as sugar and acacia or tragacanth and pastilles comprising the active compound in an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerine or sucrose acacia.

Formulations of the disclosure may be prepared by any suitable method, typically by uniformly and intimately admixing the pre-determined gut flora with liquids or finely divided solid carriers or both, in the required proportions and then, if necessary, shaping the resulting mixture into the desired shape. In addition, the pre-determined gut flora will be treated to prolong shelf-life, preferably the shelf-life of the pre-determined gut flora will be extended via freeze drying.

Furthermore, a tablet may be prepared by compressing an intimate mixture comprising a powder or granules of the active ingredient and one or more optional ingredients, such as a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, or surface active dispersing agent, or by molding an intimate mixture of powdered active ingredient of the present disclosure. In addition to the ingredients specifically mentioned above, the formulations of the present disclosure may include other agents known to those skilled in the art, having regard for the type of formulation in issue. For example, formulations suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents and formulations suitable for intranasal administration may include perfumes.

The therapeutic compositions of the disclosure can be administered by any conventional method available for use in conjunction with pharmaceutical drugs, either as individual therapeutic agents or in a combination of therapeutic agents. The dosage administered will, of course, vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration; the age, health and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency of treatment; and the effect desired. A daily dosage of active ingredient can be expected to be about 0.001 to 1000 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight.

Dosage forms (compositions suitable for administration) contain from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of active ingredient per unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions, the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.5-95% weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Ointments, pastes, foams, occlusions, creams and gels also can contain excipients, such as starch, tragacanth, cellulose derivatives, silicones, bentonites, silica acid, and talc, or mixtures thereof. Powders and sprays also can contain excipients such as lactose, talc, silica acid, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium silicates, or mixtures of these substances.

Formulations suitable for rectal administration may be presented as suppositories by mixing with a variety of bases such as emulsifying bases or water-soluble bases.

Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams, or spray formulas containing, in addition to the active ingredient, such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, a standard reference text in this field.

The dose administered to a subject, especially an animal, particularly a human, in the context of the present disclosure should be sufficient to affect a therapeutic response in the animal over a reasonable time frame. One skilled in the art will recognize that dosage will depend upon a variety of factors including the condition of the animal, the body weight of the animal, as well as the condition being treated. A suitable dose is that which will result in a concentration of the therapeutic composition in a subject that is known to affect the desired response.

The size of the dose also will be determined by the route, timing and frequency of administration as well as the existence, nature, and extent of any adverse side effects that might accompany the administration of the therapeutic composition and the desired physiological effect.

It will be appreciated that the compounds of the combination may be administered: (1) simultaneously by combination of the compounds in a co-formulation or (2) by alternation, i.e. delivering the compounds serially, sequentially, in parallel or simultaneously in separate pharmaceutical formulations. In alternation therapy, the delay in administering the second, and optionally a third active ingredient, should not be such as to lose the benefit of a synergistic therapeutic effect of the combination of the active ingredients. According to certain embodiments by either method of administration (1) or (2), ideally the combination should be administered to achieve the most efficacious results. In certain embodiments by either method of administration (1) or (2), ideally the combination should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of each of the active ingredients.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the amount of active ingredients in the combinations of the disclosure required for use in treatment will vary according to a variety of factors, including the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient, and will ultimately be at the discretion of the attending physician or health care practitioner. The factors to be considered include the route of administration and nature of the formulation, the animal's body weight, age and general condition and the nature and severity of the disease to be treated.

The sample drug composition may be packaged into a shelf box and then packaged into an insulated corrugated box for shipment to the customer at the time of order. The sample drug composition is shipped after thawing to 0° C. from the −80° C. long term storage freezer. To ensure that the liquid suspension is adequately protected from fluctuations in temperature during shipment, the packaging system was subjected to varying temperatures over a 24-hour period. The design for this testing process was adapted from the ASTM International F2825-10, Standard Practice for Climatic Stressing of Packaging Systems for Single Parcel Delivery. The goal of the testing was to ensure that the product did not experience temperatures below an acceptable threshold (32° F. or 0° C.) or exceed an acceptable threshold (84° F. or 29° C.)

The product may be administered to patients having a variety of different medical conditions and may desirably impact these conditions. Some of the medical conditions that may be desirably impacted by include cardiovascular and/or peripheral vascular disease, allergies, obesity, hypoglycemia, constipation, celiac sprue (e.g., celiac disease), gastrointestinal cancer (e.g. gastrointestinal cancer is at least one of stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, anal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors), myoclonus dystonia, sacrolileitis, spondyloarthropatliy, spondylarthritis, proximal myotonic myopathy; an autoimmune disease nephritis syndrome, autism, travelers' diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, chronic pancreatitis, a pancreatic insufficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, benign myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, Parkinson's Disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), degenerative neurological diseases, Grand mal seizures or petitmal seizures, Steinert's disease, chronic infectious mononucleosis, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an acute or chronic allergic reaction obesity, anorexia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) Crohn's disease, irritable bowel disease (IBD), colitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis, chronic infectious mononucleosis, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis, acute or chronic urticarial, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), pre-diabetic syndrome, fibromyalgia (FM), Type I or Type II diabetes, acute or chronic insomnia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In the case of humans, the present disclosure encompasses methods of treatment of chronic disorders associated with the presence of abnormal enteric microflora. Such disorders include but are not limited to those conditions in the following categories: gastro-intestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon, functional bowel disease (FBD), including constipation predominant FBD, pain predominant FBD, upper abdominal FBD, nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD), gastro-oesophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, collagenous colitis, microscopic colitis, chronic Clostridium difficile infection, pseudemembranous colitis, mucous colitis, antibiotic associated colitis, idiopathic or simple constipation, diverticular disease, AIDS enteropathy, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, coeliac disease, polyposis coil, colonic polyps, chronic idiopathic pseudo obstructive syndrome; chronic gut infections with specific pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa; viral gastrointestinal disorders, including viral gastroenteritis, Norwalk viral gastroenteritis, rotavirus gastroenteritis, AIDS related gastroenteritis; liver disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, fatty liver or cryptogenic cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, non-rheumatoid arthritidies, non rheumatoid factor positive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, and Reiter's syndrome; immune mediated disorders such as glomeruionephritis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, juvenile diabetes mellitus, mixed cryoglobulinaemia, polyarteritis, familial Mediterranean fever, amyloidosis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behcets syndrome; autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Sjogren's syndrome, haemolytic uremic syndrome or scleroderma: neurological syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Gillain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and other degenerative disorders; sychiatric disorders including chronic depression, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, manic depressive illness; regressive disorders including, Asbergers syndrome, Rett syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD); the regressive disorder, autism; sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), anorexia nervosa; dermatological conditions such as chronic urticaria, acne, dermatitis herpetiformis and vasculitis disorders; and cardiovascular and/or vascular disorders and diseases.

EXAMPLES

The disclosure may be further clarified by reference to the following Examples, which serve to exemplify some embodiments, and not to limit the invention in any way.

Example 1 Confirmation of Sample Characterization Methods

Tests were completed to confirm the methods for characterizing a normal human stool sample. A Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) was conducted to identify the components of variation in the test measurement described above. To do this, 5 healthy human donors of different ages, genders, and body mass were recruited. Stool samples were collected from each donor, and processed according to predetermined standard methods. The resultant bacterial suspensions were plated and grown on the two different plates described above (the CDC and the BBE plates).

The variables tested included: 5 different donors, 3 liquid to human stool ratios, 2 plate types, 4 dilution levels per plate, 6 plates per dilution level, double counts (used to calculate error attributed to human plate counters), a total of 550 plates counted twice, and 20 runs (sets of plates).

The test measurements were analyzed with nested Gage R&R (repeatability and reproducibility) using Minitab 15 statistical software and the error bands were evaluated. The test process was determined to be repeatable and reproducible within specified error bands. While it was recognized that not all microbes can be cultured and counted, this method demonstrates that a representative subset of microbes in the bacterial suspension can be used as indicators of normal healthy human stool samples.

Example 2 Enema Bag and Port Durability

Three ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags similar to sample bag 12 were tested to evaluate the durability of the ports when frozen at −80° C. Temperatures and time were used per manufacturing procedure to simulate future product production and handling. The bags were tested for leakage pre-freeze, pre-thaw and post-thaw. The bags were filled with 100 mL of saline solution and the ports were sealed. To determine if the seals along the edges of the bags were leaking, the bags were inverted to determine if ports were completely sealed. The bags were placed in a 0° C. cooling bath for one hour, then placed in a −80° C. freezer for one month in varying orientations. Bag sample A was placed flat, bag sample B was placed on a long side, and bag sample C was placed on a short side. After one month, the bags were removed from the −80° C. freezer and inspected for ruptures, cracks, and leaks. Additionally, a drop test was conducted by dropping the frozen EVA bags on corners, faces, and ports from a height of 36 inches. Drop testing included dropping the samples on corners, ports, and flat surfaces of the product to simulate potential handling errors when removing future product from storage. The bags were then re-inspected after each drop with the above criteria. Each drop test was repeated three times per sample except for the initial inspection of the bag perimeter seal. All the sample bags passed all the tests (no leaking was detected).

The bags were then subjected to a thaw process. Each sample was submerged in a glycerol/water bath for 1 hour at 0° C. Samples were then removed, dried, and drop testing was repeated. Again, all the sample bags passed all the tests (no leaking was detected).

Example 3 Selection of a Cryoprotectant

The use of a cryoprotectant, in particular polyethylene glycol (PEG), has been found to maintain the viability (as determined by CFUs on CDC and BBE plates) of the MRT composition after freezing and re-thawing. This includes the time period from thawing, shipping in a controlled temperature package and allowing for time from opening until treating a patient. As with the quality testing above, the final acceptable count ranges for MRT products prior to being frozen can be between about 30 to about 300 CFU at dilution level 10⁻⁶ on the CDC plates, and from about 30 to about 300 CFU at dilution level 10⁻⁵ on the BBE plates. One method of assuring that viability is maintained is the requirement of the end user or customer, including, but not limited to, a physician or clinician, to use the product within 48 hours of receiving the product. Additionally, the end user will be required to store the product between about 2 and about 29° C. until use.

The addition of a cryoprotectant was analyzed from two perspectives. First, several cryoprotectants were screened to evaluate the initial effect of the addition of the cryoprotectant to the MRT product. This testing was used to determine mortality or viability of the MRT product when mixed with a particular cryoprotectant. The second perspective analyzed was the actual freeze protection capability of a particular cryoprotectant on the MRT product when the MRT product was frozen and then re-thawed for delivery to the patient. The result of this culturing indicated how viable the product remained after freeze/thaw.

Tests were completed to explore the effects of adding a variety of different potential MRT cryoprotectants to a homogenized and filtered human stool mixture (or MRT product). The tests were intended only to quantify the response of the bacteria to the initial addition of the cryoprotectant, and did not include testing whether the cryoprotectant was successful in protecting the bacteria through a subsequent freeze-thaw cycle. In these tests, single human stool donations were split among various tests, with a “control” sample of only normal, isotonic saline (i.e., no cryoprotectant added) used for a baseline. Both CDC plates and BBE plates were used. For all tests, a weighted average of CFU counts that combined the results of two different dilution levels was used. The cryoprotectants used included: 10% skim milk, 5% glycerol, 10% glycerol, 10% DMSO and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at molecular weights ranging from 600 to 20000.

For the CDC plates: 10% skim milk, 10% glycerol, and PEG all performed reasonably well, with CFU counts staying within approximately 25% of the saline control. Of note, higher concentrations of glycerol resulted in considerable microbe mortality in a dose-dependent relationship.

For the BBE plates: Only the PEG formulations did not show significant microbe mortality. Of note, the 10% glycerol formulations yielded nearly 90% mortality (10% survival), and the higher concentrations of glycerol yielded 100% mortality (as seen using the current dilution levels).

Given the results from the BBE plates of 10% glycerol, an additional investigation was performed to see if the 90% mortality (on the BBE plate) from adding the glycerol could be eliminated. It was hypothesized that decreasing the glycerol concentration to 5%, or chilling the microbial mixture prior to addition of the glycerol (to slow metabolic activity) could reduce the anticipated high mortality. The 5% glycerol solution had less mortality than the 10%, and cooling also decreased the mortality in a dose-dependent relationship. However, these effects were not strong enough to overcome the baseline results, and mortality of at least 60% was seen on all tests in glycerol versus the control.

Maintaining the viability of microbes in a MRT product is critical from time of human stool collection to time of giving the MRT product dose to a patient. Therefore, it is important that the cryoprotectant added not have a significant toxic effect on the microbes when initially added. Of the cryoprotectants tested, only the PEG formulations performed well. Skim milk did not perform particularly well with respect to the BBE results. Additional drawbacks for the use of milk include the potential for increasing the chance of allergic reaction and the variable characterization profile of milk. Likewise, DMSO did not perform well on the BBE plates. In addition, while DMSO is used topically in medicinal applications, there are currently no known uses in the human gastrointestinal system. 10% glycerol performed well on the CDC plates, but exhibited 80-90% mortality (10-20% survival) on the BBE plates.

Example 4 Additional Cryoprotectants

Human gut microbiota were extracted from human stool into an aqueous saline containing a number of different potential cryoprotectants at a specific concentration. These solutions were tested for pH and cultured on CDC and BBE agar plates to measure the viable microbial load, then were frozen at −80 C for between 1 to 7 days, and then thawed. A sample from the thawed solution was then tested for pH and cultured on CDC and BBE agar plates to measure the viable microbial load. Cryoprotectants with a screen result of “++” showed significantly greater viability results compared to PEG3350 (and glycerol), those with “+” had results considered at least as good as glycerol, those with “0” had mixed results and may or may not be suitable cryopreservatives, and those with “−” performed worse than glycerol and should not be considered effective cryopreservatives for human gut microbiota solutions. The results, based on pH measurements and enumeration of viable microbes using CDC and BBE agar plates suggested the following: dextrose, betaine, glycine, sucrose, polyvinyl alcohol, and Pluronic F-127 in DMSO had a result scored as “++”. Mannitol, tween 80, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, glycerol, PEG/glycerol mix, and propylene glycol had a result scored as “+”. Propylene glycol (3% w/v) and fish oil had a result scored as “0”. Magnesium hydroxide, urea, and xanthan gum had a score of “−+”. The scoring of “−+” is used to denote that the pH was found to be not acceptable but that plating results were found to be acceptable.

Example 5 Example Production Process

Tests were completed to simulate an exemplary entire production process wherein a processed sample of human stool (diluted, homogenized, and filtered) is cooled, frozen for long-term storage, thawed, shipped to a customer site, and warmed to body temperature prior to retention enema. The production process simulated a nominal process for collection of human stool; dilution of human stool directly into a cryoprotection solution (or diluent or saline/PEG mixture) at a 2:1 to a 4:1 ratio; nominal homogenization and filtration process; chilling of packaged product in a circulating fluid bath; long-term frozen storage; warming of packaged product in a circulating fluid bath; packaging of product for shipment with “cold packs” and in insulating materials; overnight shipping to customer; bedside warming of product for immediate infusion into patient. As part of the study, three parameters were varied to explore their effects on overall microbial viability or survival (as measured by serial dilution onto CDC and BBE plates for incubation and counting of CFUs). These parameters included the use of a cryoprotectant, temperature of a chilling bath, and temperature of a thawing bath.

For cryoprotectant testing, the study included samples with no cryoprotectant (normal saline); 10% glycerol and PEG 3350 at 59 g/liter. For testing the use of a cooling bath, the study included samples that went directly into a freezer (−80° C.), and therefore, were not subjected to a cooling bath, samples that went directly into a 0° C. cooling bath, and samples that went directly into a −11° C. cooling bath. The warming was tested at 0° C., +10° C., and +20° C. Each test permutation was normalized to a control sample that used the same cryoprotectant, but plated immediately and NOT subjected to any of the freeze-thaw processes.

The cryoprotectants, if used, were mixed with normal saline and added during the homogenization process (see definition of diluent and saline/PEG mixture). Thus, any microbial mortality due to addition of the cryoprotectant (for example, such as has been seen with glycerol, especially in the BBE plates) will only be observed by comparing the CFUs of the control samples.

It was found that the freezing and thawing parameters had little effect on overall microbial survival. This is generally clear for the CDC plates, where the data is generally well behaved and the results, for all the freeze-thaw parameters, vary only well within a single log-level of dilution. For the BBE plates, the raw data was much less well behaved, with several instances of apparent outliers and cases where the 10× rule comparing adjacent dilution levels (i.e., log levels) was violated. However, there was still not an apparent difference due to the freeze-thaw parameters.

Effects due to the different cryoprotectants used were clearly observed. For this analysis, a simple arithmetic mean of the results from the different freeze-thaw parameters was used to compare cryoprotectant performance. For the CDC plates, “no cryoprotection” had an 18% survival (82% mortality) through freeze-thaw, while the addition of glycerol and PEG reduced this mortality something on the order of 30% (67% and 75% survival, respectively). With respect to the samples treated with glycerol, the above results neglect the mortality from the initial addition of the glycerol. When the initial addition of the cryoprotectant is added to the effects of the freeze/thaw, the magnitude of this effect was around 80% mortality. This was compared to about 32% mortality for sample using PEG as cryoprotectant.

On BBE plates, the effect of adding glycerol was very high mortality at 80% to 90%. In counterpoint, the PEG plates showed either low or no initial toxicity from the cryoprotectant and a strong preservative effect through the freeze-thaw cycle. Overall cumulative survival using PEG is 75% versus control (25% mortality). It was concluded that 10% glycerol performs poorly on BBE plates, based on the combination of initial mortality and freeze-thaw losses being on the order of 1-log loss (10% survival). The PEG-3350 performs well on both CDC and BBE plates. The PEG has low initial toxicity to the microbes (little or no losses from addition of the cryoprotectant to the human stool) and it offers significant protection versus “no cryoprotectant”. It is anticipated that each dose of MRT will have a minimum of 10⁷ microbes/mL of suspension, with a minimum of 100 mL of suspension delivered per dose.

Example 6 Fecal Transplant Kit

In an example, a kit of parts can be created to aid in fecal transplant. In an example, a donation kit can be shipped to a clinician. The donation kit can include equipment for blood and fecal samples from the patient or, in certain examples, a healthy donor. Because much of the patient's gut microbiota is anaerobic, many organisms can die with exposure to air. In an example, the donation kit can include materials to ship the blood and fecal samples without harming the samples (e.g., quick freeze, dry ice, etc.).

Once shipped to a facility (e.g., one location, regional locations, many locations, etc.), the samples can be tested, and Clostridium difficile or the presence or absence of one or more other diseases or conditions can be confirmed. In other examples, a healthy fecal sample can be tested and prepared for use as a treatment.

In an example, once the patient's samples are tested to verify the disease or condition, or the donor's samples are tested to verify health or other compatibility (e.g., the existence of one or more desired condition, etc.), a treatment can be prepared (e.g., using the healthy donor fecal sample, at least a portion of one or more healthy stored fecal samples, such as material from a fecal bank, etc.) and shipped back to the clinician for delivery to and treatment of the patient. In certain examples, the treatment is preserved (e.g., frozen, etc.) during shipping. The kit can include the processed fecal sample or treatment in a sterile container, such as a nasogastric (NG) tube, a vial (e.g., for use with a retention enema), a gastro-resistant capsule (e.g., acid-bio resistant to reach the intestinal tract, having a sterile outside), etc. In an example, once received, the clinician can store the contents in a manner to preserve the microbiota until ready to be inserted into the patient.

Example 7 Extended Shelf Life Formulations

The long-term storage of the survivability of the healthy human microbial content of donor stool was studied. Stool samples were processed with and without a cryoprotectant and cooled/thawed at varying controlled temperatures. Samples were then removed after 360 days (12 months) of storage at −80° C. and −20° C., thawed at controlled temperatures and plated on two types of agar plates (Center for Disease Control 5% Blood Agar (CDC) and Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar (BBE) respectively). The overall Colony Forming Unit per milliliter (CFU/mL) was recorded and analyzed. From the study, samples preserved without cryoprotectant were analyzed first, followed by samples preserved with varying concentrations of different cryoprotectants.

CDC plate counts grown from “No Cryoprotectant” samples demonstrated that freezer temperature and storage time had significant impact on the recoverable CFU numbers. These data are consistent with data recorded at previous time points. In this model, the R² values indicate that approximately 59% of the variation (Adj. R²) in the data is explained by the model, a drop from approximately 80% demonstrated by the model after 180 days (6 months) of storage.

When stored at −20° C., most of the samples produced CFU/mL counts which fell below the lower limit considered acceptable for product specification (10⁸ CFU/mL). In contrast, samples stored at −80° C. demonstrated counts that remained above the desired lower limit for product specification. From this, it was concluded that long-term storage of samples prepared without the use of a cryoprotectant and stored at −80° C. was found to result in greater viability when compared to samples stored at −20° C.

For the data collected from samples stored with cryoprotectant, the storage time and freezer temp were the most significant factors for the CDC counts response in CFU/mL. Most of the variation seen in the data is explained by storage time, freezer temp, and the interaction between these, as can be seen by the R² values obtained at 0.59.

Samples combined with cryoprotectants and stored at −20° C. continued to demonstrate a more significant decrease in recoverable CFU/mL. Sample runs begin to fall below the 10⁸ product specification limit between 60 and 90 days (2 and 3 months) for samples stored at −20° C. The rate of decrease in amount of recoverable CFU/mL slows beyond 60 days (2 months) of storage. However, at −80° C. storage temperature, the recoverable CFU/mL counts remain relatively stable through 270 days (9 months) of storage. Additionally, most counts remained above the minimum product specification limit of 10⁸ CFU/mL.

Storing samples at a lower freezer temperature and for less time has a positive effect on the counts—as time progresses further from the point of manufacture, a reliable recovery of CFU/mL indicating the viable microbial population of the product becomes more difficult to guarantee. However, data suggests that the effect of storage time can be dampened with the addition of PEG 3550 as a cryoprotectant, as well as storing the material at a low temperature (in this case, −80° C.).

Example 8 Extended Shelf Life Formulations

Human stool was processed as disclosed herein; an initial sample of the processed suspension was used to create serial dilutions for inoculation of agar plates. Once the sample was removed from the suspension, the remaining suspension (approx. 150 mL) was transferred to two (2) separate sterile EVA storage bags. Each bag was frozen at −80° C. for one week.

After one week, the bags were removed from the freezer and thawed per the MRT composition batch protocol. The bags were sampled to measure the immediate post-freeze recoverable CFU/mL count and diversity; each sample was serially diluted and plated on CDC and BBE plates. The bags were then stored at two different temperatures, 4° C. and 25° C., and sampled every 24 hours for 192 hours total.

Samples at each time point were also tested by a contract laboratory for biodiversity by using 16s rRNA methodology. For each sample, RNA is extracted from the bacterial cells and replicated (“amplified”) using a tag primer made from of a series of base pairs needed to initiate RNA replication. After the RNA is amplified, the sequences are denoised—a process which determines the statistical probability of a correctly or incorrectly paired nucleotide set—and used to identify each organism using BLASTn software from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) sequence library. Identity of the organisms found in each sample is determined by the length of the sequence containing the most consecutive statistically probably base pairs in a sample. The final numbers (direct counts and percentages of identified organisms from phyla to species if applicable) are then reported to Rebiotix for use in determining the change in biodiversity over time in each sample.

The product undergoes an initial drop in recoverable CFU/mL on both CDC and BBE plates once removed from the freezer and thawed (t=0 hour time point), consistent with observations from prior studies conducted by Rebiotix (P-006, P-007, P-009, P-012).

The thawed product held at 25° C. maintained a higher overall recoverable CFU/mL count than material stored at 4° C. over 192 hours.

Recoverable CFU/mL counted on all CDC plates, regardless of overall count, were considered “stable” at both temperatures throughout the experiment based on the Rebiotix measurement system (P-001). The CFU/mL results at both storage temperatures stayed within one log from the initial count at thaw to 192 hours.

Recoverable CFU/mL counted on BBE plates demonstrated an increase in recoverable CFU/mL when stored at 25° C. compared to the original pre-freeze sample over the course of 192 hours of storage. At 4° C., however, the recoverable CFU/mL maintained an unchanging (less than one log change) count throughout the 192 hour hold time.

Thawed product at both temperatures met Rebiotix product release specification throughout the 192 hour hold time, regardless of a gain or loss in CFU/mL count:

CDC post-freeze microbial load specification: 10⁷ to 10¹⁴ CFU/mL

BBE post-freeze microbial load specification: 10⁵ to 10¹⁴ CFU/mL

Results currently collected from this study indicate that recoverable phenotypic diversity on the CDC plates most closely matches the original sample diversity prior to freezing when product is stored at 25° C. post-thaw. In addition, both samples met the Rebiotix product release specification for diversity over time of ≧3 unique colony phenotypes.

Genetic biodiversity characterization (16s rRNA) of the samples is conducted by a contract laboratory examining the total bacterial types (to species if possible) as well as the percent concentrations of these types of bacteria present in the samples over time.

Preliminary understanding of product behavior during a holding period of up to 192 hours at two different temperatures continues to meet Rebiotix product release standards of CFU/mL per when used to inoculate CDC and BBE plates. More work is needed to confirm these findings. 16s rRNA data of each time point is currently under analysis.

Example 9 16s rRNA Data

The present disclosure provides compositions that include fecal microbes. As used herein, the term “fecal microbes” refers to microorganisms that are present in the gut, intestine, or colon, preferably colon, of a normal healthy adult human. Such a composition may be prepared by processing fecal material as disclosed herein. As used herein, the term “fecal material” refers to human stool. Unprocessed fecal material contains non-living material and biological material. The “non-living material” may include, but is not limited to, dead bacteria, shed host cells, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, mucus, bile, undigested fiber and other foods, and other compounds resulting from food and metabolic waste products and partial or complete digestion of food materials. “Biological material” refers to the living material in fecal material, and includes microbes including prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and archea (e.g., living prokaryotic cells and spores that can sporulate to become living prokaryotic cells), eukaryotic cells such as protozoa and fungi, and viruses. “Biological material” may also refer to the living material (e.g., the microbes, eukaryotic cells, and viruses) that are present in the colon of a normal healthy human. Examples of prokaryotic cells that may be present in a composition of the present disclosure include cells that are members of the class Actinobacteria, such as the subclass Actinobacteridae or Coriobacteridae, such as the order Bifidobacteriales or Coriobacteriales, and/or such as the family Bifidobacteriaceae or Coriobacteriaceae; members of the phylum Bacteroidetes, such as class Bacteroidia, such as class Bacteroidales, and/or such as family Bacteroidaceae or Rikenellaceae; members of the phylum Firmicutes, such as class Bacilli, Clostridia, or Erysipelotrichi, such as order Bacillales or Lactobacillales or Clostridales or Erysipelotrichales, and/or such as family Paenibacillaceae or Aeroccaceae or Lactobacillaceae or Streptococcaceae or Catabacteriaceae or Peptococcaceae or Peptostreptococcaceae or Ruminococcaceae or Clostridiaceae or Eubacteriaceae or Lachnospiraceae or Erysipelotrichaceae; members of the phylum Proteobacteria, such as class Alphaproteobacteria or Betaproteobacteria or Gammaproteobacteria, such as order Rhizobiales or Burkholderiales or AJteromonadales or Enterobacteriales, and/or such as family Rhodobiaceae or Burkholderiaceae or Shewanellaceae or Enterobacteriaceae; members of the phylum Tenericutes, such as the class Mollicutes, such as the order Entomoplasmatales, and/or such as the family Spiroplasmataceae; and/or members of the class Verrucomicrobiae, such as the order Verrucomicrobiales, and/or such as the family Verrucomicrobiaceae. These are just examples.

The MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 phylum, at least 2 phyla, at least 3 phyla, at least 4 phyla, at least 5 phyla, at least 6 phyla, at least 7 phyla, at least 8 phyla, at least 9 phyla, or at least 10 phyla. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 class, at least 2 classes, at least 3 classes, at least 4 classes, at least 5 classes, at least 6 classes, or at least 7 classes. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 order, at least 2 orders, at least 3 orders, at least 4 orders, at least 5 orders, at least 6 orders, or at least 7 orders. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 1 family, at least 2 families, at least 3 families, at least 4 families, at least 5 families, at least 6 families, at least 7 families. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include bacteria that are members of at least 5, at least 10, at least 20, or at least 30 different genera of bacteria. In at least some embodiments, the MRT compositions of the present disclosure may include at least 10, at least 50, at least 100, at least 200, at least 300, or at least 400 different species of bacteria.

Samples of manufactured MRT compositions (manufactured as disclosed herein) were provided to Research and Testing Laboratory, Lubbock, Tex. for 16sRNA amplification and sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The purpose of this analysis was to obtain data useful for: validating the tentative potency release assays; and evaluating the intra- and inter-donor bacterial diversity and consistency.

The 16s rRNA analysis of all product batches demonstrated that the process disclosed herein resulted in desirable bacterial diversity profiles consistent. The data also indicated that the manufacturing process preserved a level of bacterial diversity consistent with normal feces and considered viable for the treatment of recurrent C. difficile, including the maintenance of the predominant phyla, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes.

In addition, product made from the stool of individual donors over time maintained a very similar diversity profile. Table 2 presents a condensed version of the data, highlighting the means and standard deviations for percent bacteria by Order for all batches manufactured and tested. These “Order” categories represent the most commonly identified bacterial communities in the product batches.

TABLE 2 All batches (60) compared by Order Kingdom Phylum Class Order Average % Std Dev Bacteria Bacteroidetes Bacteroidia Bacteroidales 59 15 Bacteria Firmicutes Bacilli Lactobacillales 0 1 Bacteria Firmicutes Clostridia Clostridiales 35 11 Bacteria Firmicutes Unknown Unknown 1 1 Bacteria Proteobacteria Betaproteobacteria Burkholderiales 0 0 Bacteria Proteobacteria Gammaproteobacteria Enterobacteriales 0 0 No Hit No Hit No Hit No Hit 5 6

Example 10 16s rRNA Data—Individual Donors

To further illustrate the consistency of product manufacturing, multiple batches of product made from the same donor over time were analyzed. The following tables indicate that, over the clinical trial manufacturing period, multiple batches of product from a single donor exhibited similar diversity profiles. The microbiota for each donor was analyzed by bacterial Family to ensure that the trends in diversity would continue at a finer genetic level. The Shannon Diversity Index (also indicated by H′) is an industry-accepted method of reporting the abundance and evenness of organisms present in the microbiome, and was used throughout this example. It has been shown to most completely encompass the variation in sampling depth and is therefore relevant for describing a complex microbial community.

The bacterial diversity of Donor 1 is summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Donor 1-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Family Average % Standard Deviation Bacteroidaceae 36 7 Bacteroidales (Unknown) 0 0 Clostridiaceae 6 2 Clostridiales (family) 0 0 Clostridiales (Unknown) 7 3 Enterobacteriaceae 0 0 Eubacteriaceae 6 1 Lachnospiraceae 4 1 Porphyromonadaceae 2 1 Prevotellaceae 1 0 Rikenellaceae 5 2 Ruminococcaceae 18 3 Staphylococcaceae 0 6 Streptococcaceae 0 0 XNo Hit 15 6 The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 1 is summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Donor 1-Shannon Diversity Index Shannon Diversity Batch ID Index (H′) 13000-071713 1.91 13000-072913 1.96 13000-080513 1.96 13000-080613 1.81 13000-092313 1.87 13000-092613 2.00 13000-110613 1.80 13000-021314 1.78 AVERAGE 1.89 ST DEV 0.08

The bacterial diversity of Donor 2 is summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Donor 2-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Average Family % Standard Deviation Bacteroidaceae 43 13 Clostridiaceae 2 2 Clostridiales (family) 4 3 Eubacteriaceae 6 3 Firmicutes (Unknown) 0 0 Lachnospiraceae 1 0 Porphyromonadaceae 3 1 Rikenellaceae 23 20 Ruminococcaceae 14 7 Streptococcaceae 1 1 XNo Hit 2 1 The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 2 is summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Donor 2-Shannon Diversity Index Shannon Diversity Index Batch ID (H′) 13001-080613 1.45 13001-080913 1.70 13001-081213 1.46 13001-112513 1.44 13001-121013 1.64 AVERAGE 1.54 ST DEV 0.12

The bacterial diversity of Donor 3 is summarized in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Donor 3-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Average Standard Family % Deviation Bacteroidaceae 70 11 Burkholderiales (Unknown) 0 0 Clostridiaceae 7 3 Clostridiales (Unknown) 5 2 Eubacteriaceae 4 2 Firmicutes (Unknown) 0 0 Lachnospiraceae 1 1 Porphyromonadaceae 1 1 Rikenellaceae 0 0 Ruminococcaceae 10 5 Streptococcaceae 0 0 No Hit 1 0 The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 3 is summarized in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Donor 3-Shannon Diversity Index Batch ID Shannon Diversity Index (H′) 13003-071613 1.19 13003-081313 0.98 13003-082013 1.04 13003-082713 1.06 13003-082913 1.01 13003-090513 1.17 13003-090913 1.10 13003-091113 0.78 13003-091213 0.76 13003-091313 1.02 13003-092513 1.21 13003-100213 0.97 13003-101013 1.23 13003-101513 0.42 13003-110513 1.70 13003-111913 1.22 13003-120213 1.28 13003-021414 1.28 13003-021714 1.18 13003-021914 1.45 AVERAGE 1.08 ST DEV 0.27

The bacterial diversity of Donor 4 is summarized in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Donor 4-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Standard Family Average % Deviation Bacteroidaceae 44 12 Burkholderiales (Unknown) 1 1 Clostridiaceae 4 1 Clostridiales (Unknown) 6 2 Eubacteriaceae 8 5 Firmicutes (Unknown) 1 1 Lachnospiraceae 9 4 Porphyromonadaceae 1 0 Rikenellaceae 5 2 Ruminococcaceae 17 8 Streptococcaceae 0 1 XNo Hit 2 3 The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 4 is summarized in Table 11.

TABLE 11 Donor 4-Shannon Diversity Index Batch ID Shannon Diversity Index (H′) 13004-071513 1.65 13004-071613 1.93 13004-071813 1.75 13004-072213 1.89 13004-072313 1.97 13004-072913 1.46 13004-073113 1.34 13004-080513 1.64 13004-080713 1.79 13004-080813 1.72 13004-090313 1.64 13004-090413 1.98 13004-100913 1.46 13004-102913 1.87 13004-103113 1.80 13004-110413 1.56 13004-111913 1.77 13004-112113 1.78 13004-120213 1.84 13004-021414 2.02 13004-021814 1.56 AVERAGE 1.73 ST DEV 0.18

The bacterial diversity of Donor 5 is summarized in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Donor 5-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Standard Family Average % Deviation Bacteroidaceae 48 6 Bacteroidales (Unknown) 0 0 Burkholderiales (Unknown) 0 0 Clostridiaceae 5 2 Clostridiales (Unknown) 4 1 Eubacteriaceae 5 2 Lachnospiraceae 4 0 Porphyromonadaceae 1 1 Rikenellaceae 4 1 Ruminococcaceae 18 5 Sutterellaceae 0 0 No Hit 9 5 The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 5 is summarized in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Donor 5-Shannon Diversity Index Shannon Diversity Index Batch ID (H′) 13005-080713 1.75 13005-081513 1.65 13005-100113 1.83 13003-110513 1.71 13005-110613 1.52 13005-120913 1.65 AVERAGE 1.68 ST DEV 0.11

The bacterial diversity of Donor 6 is summarized in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Donor 6-Means and Variation of Batches by Bacterial Family Standard Family Average % Deviation Bacteroidaceae 48 NA Bacteroidales (Unknown) 0 NA Burkholderiales (Unknown) 0 NA Clostridiaceae 5 NA Clostridiales (Unknown) 4 NA Eubacteriaceae 5 NA Lachnospiraceae 4 NA Porphyromonadaceae 1 NA Rikenellaceae 4 NA Ruminococcaceae 18 NA Sutterellaceae 0 NA No Hit 9 NA The Shannon Diversity index for multiple samples from Donor 6 is summarized in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Donor 6-Shannon Diversity Index Shannon Diversity Index Batch ID (H′) 13008-021314 1.59 AVERAGE NA ST DEV NA

Due to the fact that only one batch was manufactured from Donor 6, no Average (H′) or Standard Deviation of the (H′) could be calculated at this time.

16s rRNA molecular characterization of the MRT composition as disclosed herein indicates that considerable bacterial diversity is preserved through the manufacturing process. While there are fluctuations in relative amounts of various bacteria between donors, the variation as measured by the standard deviation of the average percentages of specific bacterial Orders is quite small. Diversity profiles of product made from individual donors collected over time, demonstrated a high degree of similarity at the Family level (see Tables for Donors 1-5). In contrast, 16s data for microbes commonly associated with disease in patients were noticeably absent in the MRT compositions made from healthy donors. Product batches evaluated in this analysis were used in the Phase 2 clinical study, which demonstrated an 87% cure rate with acceptable mild to moderate adverse events. This data is important as it also substantiates that the level of bacterial diversity in MRT composition as disclosed herein provided therapeutic benefit.

Example 11 Success/Failure by Donor Gender

The success of treatments using the MRT compositions disclosed herein were tabulated taking into account the gender of the donor. It was observed that treatment success after a single dose of the MRT composition was greater when the fecal donor (whose fecal sample was utilized in manufacturing the MRT composition) was male. Since the Dose 2 response is more similar among the donors and these doses were delivered to antibiotic naïve patients (no antibiotic pretreatment and with active disease), it may be that the flora from the female donors are more susceptible to antibiotics.

TABLE 16 Success/Failure by Donor Gender Patient Patient Dose 1 Dose 2 Donor Success Failure Success Failure F 2/11 (18%) 9/11 (82%) 3/4 (75%) 1/4 (25%) M 7/10 (70%) 3/10 (30%) 3/5 (60%) 2/5 (40%) F  4/9 (44%)  5/9 (56%) 4/4 (100%) M  3/3 (100%) 1/1 (100%)

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/337,283 is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/351,184 is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. Patent Application No. 62/173,292 is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. Patent Application No. 62/247,825 is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/576,573, published as U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2013/0045274, is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/093,913, published as U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2014/0086877, is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/504,927, published as U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2015/0044173, is herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/707,378, published as U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2015/0238544, is herein incorporated by reference.

It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating hepatic encephalopathy, the method comprising: administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy; wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition is pre-screened for bacterial diversity; wherein the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition includes bacteria from at least seven different families and has a Shannon Diversity Index of 0.4-2.5 when calculated at the family level; and wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition comprises a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with a colonoscope.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising administering a secondary microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising administering a secondary microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient, wherein the pre-treatment antibiotic includes vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin, linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, tigecycline, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, televancin, teicoplanin, dalbavancin, metronidazole, ortivancin, or a combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient after administering the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes manufacturing the microbiota restoration therapy composition and wherein manufacturing the microbiota restoration therapy composition comprises: collecting a human fecal sample; adding polyethylene glycol to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample; mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus; filtering the diluted sample; wherein filtering forms a filtrate; transferring the filtrate to a sample bag; and sealing the sample bag.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition includes bacteria and wherein in the range of 40-60% of the bacteria is from the order Bacteroidales, in the range of 30-40% of the bacteria is from the order Clostridiales, and in the range of 36-48% of the bacteria is from the family Bacteroidaceae.
 10. A method of treating hepatic encephalopathy, the method comprising: administering a primary dose of a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy, wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition has been manufactured using the following method: collecting a human fecal sample; placing the human fecal sample into a filter bag; adding a mixture of polyethylene glycol and saline to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample at a concentration of 2-4 milliliters of the mixture of polyethylene glycol and saline per gram of the human fecal sample; mixing the diluted sample with a paddle mixer at 230 rpm for two minutes; filtering the diluted sample; wherein filtering forms a filtrate; transferring the filtrate to a sample bag; and sealing the sample bag; wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition is pre-screened for bacterial diversity; wherein the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition includes bacteria from at least seven different families; and administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with a colonoscope.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein administering a secondary dose of the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising administering a pre-treatment antibiotic to the patient, wherein the pre-treatment antibiotic includes vancomycin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin, linezolid, daptomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, tigecycline, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, televancin, teicoplanin, dalbavancin, metronidazole, ortivancin, or a combination thereof.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising administering a post-treatment antibiotic to the patient after administering the microbiota restoration therapy composition to the patient.
 17. A method for treating a urinary tract infection, the method comprising: administering a primary microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection; wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition is pre-screened for bacterial diversity; wherein the pre-screened microbiota restoration therapy composition includes bacteria from at least seven different families and has a Shannon Diversity Index of 0.4-2.5 when calculated at the family level; and wherein the microbiota restoration therapy composition comprises a mixture of an effective amount of fecal microbiota and an effective amount of polyethylene glycol.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition with an enema tube.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition to a patient with a urinary tract infection includes administering a microbiota restoration therapy composition orally.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the urinary tract infection comprises a drug resistant or multi-drug resistant urinary tract infection. 